Thailand Accelerates Expressway Development

Post by : Shakul

The Ministry of Transport in Thailand is pushing for a rapid enhancement of key expressway projects in a move to alleviate traffic woes and bolster transportation efficiency nationwide. This directive was unveiled during a pivotal meeting presided over by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, held in Bangkok.

On May 14, 2026, the assembly at the EXAT Management Center saw participation from high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Transport alongside EXAT executives, as they strategized future infrastructure advancements, road safety initiatives, and eco-friendly transport solutions tailored for urban centers across Thailand.

Deputy Prime Minister Pipat underscored that the government views the expressway network's expansion as a primary national concern. He articulated that enhancing road connectivity would significantly cut travel durations, mitigate traffic congestion, and foster sustained economic growth while uplifting citizens’ living standards.

The Ministry directed EXAT to expedite certain priority projects, notably the Rama 3–Dao Khanong–Western Bangkok Outer Ring Road Expressway and the Chalong Ratch Expressway Extension, which connects Chatu Chot with Lam Luk Ka Road. Officials stressed that public safety is paramount throughout all construction stages, particularly in busy areas like Rama 2 Road.

Furthermore, the government incentivizes faster progression on additional infrastructure ventures designed to bolster Bangkok's urban sprawl and economic activities. This includes the Srinakarin–Suvarnabhumi Expressway and the Chalong Ratch–Eastern Bangkok Outer Ring Road projects. Detailed studies are also being conducted for a future double-deck elevated expressway between Ngamwongwan and Rama 9.

In southern Thailand, efforts continue to boost regional economic potential with the Phuket Expressway Phase 2 project, which covers the New City, Koh Kaew, and Kathu sections. The government is poised to seek Cabinet approval for this endeavor as part of broader urban growth strategies in Phuket.

EXAT Governor Surachet Laopulsuk confirmed the agency's readiness to implement the ministry's directives and complete key projects on time. He added that EXAT is committed to enhancing construction safety standards, traffic management, and public services to ensure smoother, safer travel experiences for commuters.

The agency is also integrating advanced digital technologies and transport innovations. EXAT continues to promote the Easy Pass automated toll system and is upgrading the EXAT Portal mobile app to make services quicker and more convenient for expressway users throughout Thailand.

Currently, approximately 57.61 percent of vehicles utilize the Easy Pass system, with plans to elevate this to 70 percent by 2028, aiming to improve traffic fluidity, minimize toll booth wait times, and cut down fuel use caused by traffic jams.

EXAT restated its commitment to eco-friendly transport practices under its Green Transport initiative, targeting a 30 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and striving for net-zero emissions by 2065 through clean energy initiatives, solar rooftop installations, LED lighting improvements, EV charging points, and an increased adoption of electric vehicles within the agency.