EXAT announces toll exemptions for three public holidays in July
Thailand’s Expressway Authority (EXAT) announced toll exemptions for three major expressways in Bangkok on three specific days in July, while two public holidays will not see toll exemptions.
The EXAT, under the Ministry of Transport, stated that tolls on three expressways will be waived on July 20, July 21, and July 28. These dates coincide with public holidays as declared by the Prime Minister’s Office.
The three expressways with toll exemptions include Chalerm Mahanakorn Expressway with 20 toll booths, Si Rat Expressway with 31 toll booths, and Udon Ratthaya Expressway with 10 toll booths.
These exemptions are in line with the government’s and the Ministry of Transport’s policies, as outlined in the revised concession agreement between EXAT, Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM), and Northern Bangkok Expressway Company Limited (NECL).
The specific dates for free tolls are Saturday, July 20 (Asanha Bucha Day), Sunday, July 21 (Buddhist Lent Day), and Sunday, July 28 (King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday, Rama X).
However, Monday, July 22, and Monday, July 29, which are substitute holidays for Buddhist Lent Day and the King’s Birthday respectively, will not have toll exemptions, as they are not considered official public holidays according to the Prime Minister’s Office, reported KhaoSod.
In related news, the Ministry of Transport is considering postponing a planned toll rate increase on the Don Mueang Tollway and may even lower the current fees, according to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit.
In separate news, Bangkok’s new tollgate on the Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway in Pathum Wan district has officially opened, promising to improve the city’s traffic flow—but not without sparking a heated debate.
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) announced that the new Lumpini entrance will provide a crucial link from the Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway to Wireless Road. This strategic shortcut is set to alleviate the notorious congestion at the Rama IV gate.