PATTAYA, Thailand – Travellers heading to Pattaya during the Songkran holiday will benefit from a wide range of free transport services and travel measures, as Thailand’s Ministry of Transport rolls out its nationwide “Smart Travel Songkran 2026” campaign.
The initiative, running from April 10 to 19, aims to ease congestion, improve safety, and reduce road accidents by at least 5 percent during the peak travel period.
Key routes connecting Bangkok to Pattaya will see major cost savings for motorists. The Department of Highways will waive toll fees on Motorway 7 (Bangkok–Pattaya) and Motorway 9 for seven days from April 10 to 16. Additional expressways, including key Bangkok routes, will also be free for selected periods, helping to reduce travel costs and encourage smoother traffic flow.
Authorities are also opening sections of partially completed motorways, including routes linking Bang Pa-in to Nakhon Ratchasima, to increase capacity and reduce congestion on major outbound and inbound corridors.
Beyond road travel, the government is expanding support services nationwide. More than 200 rest areas will be set up across the country, along with free vehicle inspection points and roadside assistance stations to improve safety during long-distance travel.
Despite rising fuel costs, interprovincial bus fares under the Transport Company Limited will be frozen throughout the Songkran period, ensuring passengers who booked tickets in advance will not face additional charges.
Air travellers will also benefit, with free parking available at long-term parking Zone C at Suvarnabhumi Airport from April 11 to 15, along with complimentary shuttle bus services to terminals.
In Bangkok, public transport incentives include free MRT rides for passengers aged 60 and over from April 13 to 15, and free bus services on April 13 to mark National Elderly Day.
Authorities have also ordered a temporary halt to construction projects on major roads, increased lighting in high-risk areas, and enhanced traffic management to reduce bottlenecks and improve safety.
Officials stressed that fuel supply must remain stable throughout the holiday period and warned against fare overcharging, while urging transport operators to ensure no passengers are left stranded.
With millions expected to travel, the campaign aims to ensure that whether departing early or late, travellers can reach their destinations safely and efficiently during one of Thailand’s busiest holiday seasons.
