Holiday mayhem: Govt unveils free tolls plan for New Year’s Eve
The Thai government has announced measures to ease the expected holiday travel chaos. With a staggering 34 million trips anticipated, the Ministry of Transport has unveiled a chaotic cocktail of free tolls, trial road openings, and even free camping spots in a desperate bid to keep the nation moving.
Happiness Festival Everywhere in Thailand is the rather optimistic slogan for this impending travel armageddon. Motorists can expect to dodge fellow holidaymakers on freeways M7 and M9, while brave souls can test their luck on newly opened sections of M81 and M6. For those seeking a more rustic experience, the government is offering free camping grounds – presumably far enough away from the anticipated gridlock.
Public transport will also be stretched to its limits, with extended hours for buses and trains to accommodate revellers attending countdown events and New Year’s Eve prayers. Airlines are also expected to offer special discounts, while the government urges travellers to utilise apps like Highway Traffic and Namtang for travel planning.
For those braving the Bangkok chaos, countdown events at Central World, One Bangkok, and Icon Siam will see extended public transport services until 2am. The MRT and Red Line will also be running throughout the night, offering a glimmer of hope for those seeking to escape the inevitable gridlock, reported The Pattaya News.
In related news, the Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) announced its new year’s gift for passengers, extending services on four routes across Bangkok from midnight to 2am on New Year’s Eve, December 31. Free parking will also be provided at each station.
In other news, a substantial force of over 420 officers and volunteers took to the streets of Pattaya on Christmas Eve, ensuring the safety and security of tourists during the festive period.
The initiative, which took place at precisely 6.36pm on December 24, was spearheaded by Yingyot Thepchamnong, Commander of Police Region 2, who orchestrated a comprehensive safety operation for the Christmas and 2025 new year festivities.
