BANGKOK, Thailand – The Department of Highways is preparing to open Motorway No. 6 (M6) for a free trial during the New Year 2026 holiday period, allowing motorists to use the whole 196-kilometer route between Bang Pa-in and Nakhon Ratchasima.
The Bang Pa-in–Pak Chong section will operate on a one-way basis during the trial. Outbound traffic from Bangkok will be allowed from 12:01 a.m. on December 26, 2025, through midnight on January 1, 2026, while inbound traffic toward Bangkok will be permitted from 6:00 a.m. on Jan. 2 through midnight on Jan. 5. A temporary closure early on Jan. 2 will allow authorities to switch traffic directions.
The Pak Chong–Nakhon Ratchasima section will remain open in both directions 24 hours a day. Overall, the free trial will run for 11 days, from Dec. 26, 2025, to Jan. 5, 2026, after construction on the Bang Pa-in–Pak Chong section was completed ahead of schedule.
During the trial period, only four-wheel passenger vehicles will be permitted on the motorway, with a maximum speed limit of 80 km/h. Access will be available at seven interchanges, including Bang Pa-in, Hin Kong, Saraburi, Kaeng Khoi, Pak Chong, Sikhio, and Kham Thale So, connecting to major highways and the Nakhon Ratchasima bypass.
To support holiday travelers, the department has prepared 17 temporary restroom service points along the route, including rest areas at Thap Kwang and Sikhio. Motorists are advised to drive cautiously, follow traffic regulations, and prepare their vehicles before traveling. Assistance is available through the Department of Highways hotline at 1586. (NNT)
