Motorists will be able to test drive 96 kilometers of the Bang Yai-Kanchanaburi highway for free from August 29 to September 10, courtesy of the King’s Cup.
The M81 highway, from Bang Yai in Nonthaburi Province to Kanchanaburi, will be toll-free from August 29 to September 10, as the Highways Department of Thailand has decided to ease access for the King’s Cup international football tournament in Kanchanaburi.
The 51st King’s Cup international football tournament will be held from September 1 to 9 at the 7,800-capacity Kanchanaburi Stadium, also known as Kleebbua Stadium. The 96-kilometre section of the expressway will be open for trial use from 3 pm on August 29 to 9 am on September 10. During the trial period, seven toll plazas will be open: Bang Yai, Nakhon Chai Si, Nakhon Pathom East, Nakhon Pathom West, Tha Maka, Tha Muang, and Kanchanaburi.
Si Sa Thong Plaza will remain closed. Only four-wheelers will be permitted to use the highway, and the speed limit will be 80 km/h for safety reasons. The trial opening of the road aims not only to support sports tourism but also to stimulate economic growth, logistics, and tourism in the provinces of Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, and Kanchanaburi, located in the western region of Thailand.
The M81 also offers an alternative, albeit longer, route to the south of the country for drivers wishing to avoid the constant construction work on the Rama II Highway. This may be especially relevant for tourists planning to visit, for example, the island of Koh Kood (or Koh Kood – both transliterations are acceptable), known for its picturesque beaches and unspoiled nature.
Authorities are urging motorists using the M81 to plan their journeys, ensure their vehicles are in good condition, and strictly obey road rules, warning signs, and instructions from officials to ensure safety. For further information, motorists can contact the Department of Highways hotline at 1586, the Motorways Call Centre at 1586 (press 7), or the M81 Call Centre at 092-280-8181, available 24 hours a day.
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