Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand's Transport Ministry has officially denied the approval of a 30-baht toll at the Kasetsart intersection. The announcement came amid reports suggesting the ministry or the Land Traffic Management Committee (LTMC) had sanctioned the toll as part of the outer ring road project. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn clarified that the committee only approved the conversion of a road stretch into an expressway in principle, but it did not mention any toll agreement.

 

According to Minister Phiphat, the LTMC's recent meeting endorsed the idea of transforming the Kasetsart tunnel–Ngamwongwan Road–Phong Phet Bridge into an expressway connecting Bangkok's east-west network. However, he emphasized that the mentioned 30-baht toll might be a misunderstanding. The committee's decision was to conduct a feasibility study on shared tunnel use, which could take up to three years, and the outcome may necessitate alternative routes to alleviate congestion.

 

The Transport Ministry plans to consult with the LTMC again to provide a detailed formal clarification by month's end. Reactions to the initial reports included criticism from Kasetsart University staff and students, prompting an assurance from the transport minister to address their concerns. In response, the Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat) also clarified that the information circulating was incomplete and that the project is still undergoing preliminary studies.

 

Exat confirmed that the LTMC's approval was preliminary, requiring further detailed evaluations. It also reassured the public that travel between the Kasetsart tunnel and Klongprem Prison would remain toll-free. No toll collection will occur until all studies are complete and decisions finalized, reported Bangkok Post.

 

Key Takeaways

• The Transport Ministry has not approved a 30-baht toll for the Kasetsart intersection, emphasizing ongoing studies.
• Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn will issue a formal clarification later this month.
• Exat confirmed that public access between the Kasetsart tunnel and Klongprem Prison remains toll-free.

 

Related Stories:

Thailand Waives Toll Fees for Constitution Day

Toll Fees Waived on Three Thai Expressways for Father’s Day

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-12-10

 

 

 

Must be nice to be on the committee - 3 years! 555 😆