Highways Department to open free M6 Bang Pa-in–Pak Chong section on weekends from 21 August 2026

Thailand's Department of Highways (DOH) has announced plans to introduce free weekend travel on the M6 motorway section between Bang Pa-in and Pak Chong, commencing on 21 August 2026. This trial service aims to facilitate continuous movement to Nakhon Ratchasima, with the 110-kilometre stretch remaining toll-free on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12:00 until midnight.

DOH Director-General Piyapong Jiwattanakulpaisan revealed the trial, set to continue through the 2027 New Year holidays, with the potential for a 24-hour, seven-day-per-week free service along the entire route in the future. The entrance and exit at Kilometre 65 near the Nakhonchaiburin Stray Animal Shelter will close during this period, urging motorists to utilize the Pak Chong interchange instead.

Outbound travelers from Bangkok can access the M6 at Bang Pa-in, exiting at Thanarat Road, or continuing straight to the Nakhon Ratchasima Bypass. Inbound drivers must navigate via Thanarat Road and Mittraphap Road from Pak Chong before rejoining the motorway at Muak Lek to proceed to Bangkok. However, construction on the inbound carriageway between Pak Chong and Muak Lek remains incomplete, necessitating a detour via Thanarat and Mittraphap Roads to rejoin the motorway at Muak Lek.

The following interchanges will remain accessible: Bang Pa-in, Hin Kong, Kaeng Khoi, Muak Lek, and Pak Chong, with inbound traffic restricted to Sikhio or Nakhon Ratchasima. Two rest areas at Thap Kwang (Kilometre 65), accommodating both inbound and outbound traffic, will offer toilets and drinks. No fuel stations or electric vehicle charging points are available, as the motorway construction continues, limiting vehicles to four-wheel passenger cars at 80 km/h. Motorists are cautioned to adhere to traffic signs and official instructions.