Thailand axes M81 tolls ahead of King’s Cup showdown
Football fans get free access to M81 ahead of King’s Cup tournament in Kanchanaburi
Thailand’s M81 motorway is going toll-free for nearly two weeks to get fans pitch-side for the King’s Cup without the pain of fees.
The Department of Highways has announced that the M81 motorway, connecting Bang Yai in Nonthaburi to Kanchanaburi, will be toll-free from 3pm on Friday, August 29 to 9am on Wednesday, September 10. The move is part of a transport initiative tied to the 51st King’s Cup international football tournament, running from September 1 to 9 at Kanchanaburi Stadium, also known as Kleebbua Stadium.
Covering a 96-kilometre stretch, the M81 will be open to four-wheel vehicles only, with a speed limit capped at 80km/h for safety. The Department confirmed that seven toll plazas: Bang Yai, Nakhon Chai Si, Nakhon Pathom East, Nakhon Pathom West, Tha Maka, Tha Muang, and Kanchanaburi will be operational. Si Sa Thong Plaza will remain closed throughout the trial period.
Officials say the initiative is aimed at boosting sports tourism, enhancing regional connectivity, and stimulating local economies across Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, and Kanchanaburi. The M81 also offers a detour for motorists wanting to bypass traffic snarls caused by ongoing construction along Rama II Road, according to Bangkok Post.
The Department of Highways urged drivers to plan, check vehicle conditions, and follow all traffic regulations, signs, and officials’ instructions to ensure smooth and safe travel during the toll-free trial.
“The motorway is intended to serve as a safe and efficient transport route during this high-traffic period. It’s also a key step toward expanding Thailand’s expressway infrastructure.”
For updates and more details, motorists can contact:
-
Department of Highways hotline: 1586
-
Motorway Call Centre: 1586 (press 7)
-
M81 Call Center (24/7): 092-280-8181
Earlier this month, drivers across Greater Bangkok enjoyed toll-free expressway travel on August 11 to 12, as Thailand marked National Mother’s Day. The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) waived tolls at 63 booths across three major expressways for 24 hours.
Latest Thailand News
Follow The Thaiger on Google News:
