M81 Bang Yai–Kanchanaburi Motorway Opens for Weekend Trial Use
The Department of Highways has officially opened the M81 Intercity Motorway between Bang Yai and Kanchanaburi for trial public use, effective Friday, May 2, 2025, offering a new travel route expected to dramatically reduce travel time between Bangkok and western Thailand.
Apirat Chaiwongnoy, Director-General of the department, announced that the 96-kilometre motorway will be open every weekend, starting Fridays at 3:00 PM and closing Mondays at 9:00 AM, with no toll fees during the trial period.
Key trial operation details:
- Only four-wheel private vehicles allowed
- Speed limit capped at 80 km/h
- No tolls during trial use
- Full opening expected by late October 2025
- Toll collection start date to be announced later
Apirat highlighted that this initiative aligns with the transport policy of Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, aimed at improving road safety, convenience, and connectivity.
Progress on the M81 project:
- Overall operation and maintenance: 83.77% complete (ahead of schedule by 9.73%)
- Civil engineering work: 99.851% complete
Once fully operational, the M81 will significantly reduce travel time between Bangkok and Kanchanaburi from about three hours to just one hour, bolstering tourism and trade in the region. The motorway is poised to become a key gateway to western Thailand and a vital part of the nation’s transport infrastructure.
