CHIANG MAI, Thailand – Outbound traffic on the Chiang Mai Superhighway is heavy but still moving smoothly, while vehicles on the Asian Highway have been steadily increasing since the morning.
Citizens and tourists are gradually returning to work after the New Year holiday. On the Chiang Mai Superhighway heading toward Lamphun, traffic is dense but flowing, with minor congestion only at intersections and junctions. Inbound traffic to Chiang Mai city is also busy, but speeds remain steady. Meanwhile, roadside cold-climate fruit vendors in Saraphi district report double the usual sales as tourists stop to buy fruits as snacks or gifts.
On the Asian Highway, from Chaiyo district in Ang Thong province to the border of Maha Rat district in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, traffic has been increasing since the morning but remains smooth, with occasional slowdowns near construction zones, bottlenecks, and roadside rest stops. Authorities advise drivers to use alternate routes via Ang Thong city, then Highway 309 (Ang Thong–Ayutthaya) or Highway 347 toward Bangkok to avoid congestion.
In Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, inbound traffic on the Asian Highway toward Bangkok, from kilometer 26 to Ayutthaya-level bridge, is heavy in all lanes but still moving at 80–100 km/h. Phahonyothin Road is also seeing higher traffic but continues to flow smoothly. Authorities expect the return journey to continue steadily throughout the day and into Sunday. (TNA)
