BANGKOK, Thailand – The Department of Highways will open a free trial operation of Intercity Motorway No. 6 (M6) along the full 196-kilometer Bang Pa-in–Nakhon Ratchasima route during the New Year 2026 holiday period to relieve congestion on major highways and improve travel to the Northeast.
The free service will run from December 26, 2025, through January 5, 2026. The Bang Pa-in–Pak Chong section will operate in one direction at a time, allowing outbound traffic from Bangkok from 12:01 a.m. on Dec. 26 until midnight on Jan. 1, and inbound traffic toward Bangkok from 6:00 a.m. on Jan. 2 until midnight on Jan. 5. The section will close from 12:01 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. on Jan. 2 to allow traffic reversal. The Pak Chong–Nakhon Ratchasima section will remain open in both directions around the clock.
Only four-wheel vehicles are permitted, with a maximum speed of 80 km/h. Motorists may enter and exit at seven access points, including connections to the Nakhon Ratchasima Bypass on Highway 204, allowing onward travel to other provinces in the region.
The Department of Highways has arranged 17 temporary restroom service points along the route, including 14 at access points, the Thap Kwang rest area at kilometer 64+900 on the outbound side, and the Sikhio rest area at kilometer 147+000 serving both directions.
Drivers are urged to follow traffic laws, observe road signs, ensure vehicles are in good condition, rest adequately before traveling, and plan routes in advance. Recommended access routes to the M6 at Bang Pa-in include Kanchanaphisek Road on both the eastern and western ring roads, as well as Phahonyothin Road near Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. (NNT)
