NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Thailand – The Department of Highways (DOH) has announced that a 110-kilometer section of Motorway No. 6 (M6) between Bang Pa-in and Pak Chong will be opened for free weekend trial use starting August 21. The route will be available from noon Friday until midnight Sunday each week through the 2027 New Year holiday period. DOH Director-General Piyapong Jiwattanakulpaisarn said the opening will provide a more continuous route toward Nakhon Ratchasima and help ease weekend traffic. The Pak Chong-Nakhon Ratchasima Bypass section, which has operated toll-free around the clock since late 2023, will remain open as usual.
Bangkok outbound motorists can enter M6 at Bang Pa-in and travel through to Pak Chong or continue toward Nakhon Ratchasima. For the return journey, drivers must use Thanarat and Mittraphap roads between Pak Chong and Muak Lek because the Bangkok-bound carriageway remains under construction. Only four-wheeled vehicles will be allowed on the trial section, with a speed limit of 80 kilometers per hour. Two rest areas at Thap Kwang will offer restrooms and beverages, but fuel stations and EV charging will not be available. Motorists can contact the DOH hotline at 1586 for information or emergencies. (NNT)
