Thailand Waives Expressway Tolls Over New Year to Ease Travel and Freight

Travelers bound for seaside retreats and cargo haulers moving goods towards the Eastern Economic Corridor will start the year with a welcome break: tolls on two major expressways will be suspended for a full week, easing congestion and cutting costs across the region.

Quick Takeaways

• Zero-fee travel on Burapha Withi (Bang Na–Chonburi) and Kanchanaphisek (Bang Phli–Suksawat)

• Waiver runs from 00:01 on 30 December 2025 to 24:00 on 5 January 2026

• Applies to every vehicle category – from private cars to heavy trucks

• Approved by the EXAT Board under relevant sections of the Expressway Act

• Formalized in the Royal Gazette announcement on 16 December 2025

Holiday Traffic Takes a Breather

Every year, as roads out of Bangkok swell with families and weekenders, elevated highways become chokepoints. This New Year’s gift aims to unclog those arteries. By scrapping tolls for seven days, authorities hope to move more than 2 million vehicles smoothly past rush-hour snarls.

For many office workers, the waiver offers a hassle-free escape to Pattaya or Rayong, while passengers flying out of Suvarnabhumi Airport can glide from Bang Na KM 6 to Lat Krabang without tapping their Easy Pass.

Boosting the Eastern Economic Corridor

Beyond holidaymakers, this move carries strategic weight for Thailand’s export engine. The Burapha Withi route parallels Sukhumvit Road, feeding factories and ports in Chon Buri and Rayong. Freight operators confirm savings of up to THB 1,000 per truck during peak seasons when tolls vanish, shaving both time and costs off supply chains.

Local shippers predict a 5–7% uptick in throughput as lorries stay on the expressway instead of diverting to surface streets. This streamlined flow could help manufacturers meet early-January shipping deadlines, a critical window for the $20 billion export sector.

Navigating the Toll-Free Window

To benefit, drivers must cross the toll line between the stated hours. Entering at 00:00 on 30 December still triggers a charge, while passing at 00:01 lifts the barrier automatically. The same precision applies on 6 January, when regular rates snap back.

Key entry and exit points:

• Bang Na KM 6 to Lat Krabang – preferred for airport transfers

• Bang Phli Spur onto Highway 35 – ideal for routes toward Mahachai and Rama II

Despite the waiver, speed limits of 80–110 km/h remain enforced by automated cameras, so motorists should stay alert.

Counting the Costs (and Savings)

When midnight strikes on 6 January, toll plazas revert to charges between THB 25 and 60 per plaza. Road experts advise staggering return trips or exploring Motorway 7 alternatives—especially for drivers with an M-Flow tag—to avoid the 10–15% surge in post-holiday traffic.

The government is monitoring revenue impacts closely and hints at a similar arrangement for Songkran 2026 if budget conditions allow. For now, the New Year fare holiday provides a rare chance for faster commutes, lighter wallets and smoother logistics, marking an optimistic start to the year for everyone on Thailand’s expressways.