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M82 now provides a 25km toll-free route above Rama II

Prepared by NovAsia Editorial · Editorial policy

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The opening changes an actual part of the journey between Bangkok and the southern corridor rather than simply adding another future infrastructure promise. Drivers can now stay on the elevated M82 from the Bang Khun Thian interchange through Ekkachai to Ban Phaeo, avoiding roughly 25km of the ground-level Rama II road.

The benefit has a clear boundary. M82 currently ends at Ban Phaeo, where traffic returns to Highway 35 for Samut Songkhram, Wang Manao, Hua Hin and destinations farther south. A trip from Bangkok to Hua Hin is therefore not a continuous motorway journey just because the new section has opened.

Four access points are open, with temporary operating limits

The trial route has four usable entry and exit points: Phanthai Norasing, Mahachai 1, Mahachai 2 and Ban Phaeo. Samut Sakhon 1 and Samut Sakhon 2 remained closed at the opening because construction there was still under way.

Passenger cars are limited to 80km/h. Trucks and buses have a 65km/h limit. Pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, three-wheelers and other wheeled devices are not permitted on the elevated motorway and must continue to use the road below.

The route is open around the clock and no toll is charged during the current trial phase. The permanent tolling and traffic-control systems are not yet in full operation.

Full motorway operation is still a later stage

The August 28 opening did not mark completion of the whole M82 project. The Department of Highways said civil works were about 98% complete ahead of the launch, with remaining construction and motorway-standard systems still being finished.

The authorities planned to complete the remaining civil works by the end of 2026. Installation of toll-collection and traffic-control systems was expected to start in 2027 and take about two years, with full operation and toll collection targeted for 2029.

For residents or families who regularly travel between Bangkok and the southern corridor, the useful distinction is between what can be used now and what is still planned. The 25km elevated section can already be factored into a journey, while the finished, tolled M82 remains a future stage.

Sources

  • Department of Highways — M82 Bang Khun Thian–Ban Phaeo toll-free trial opening — August 28, 2026.
  • Intercity Motorway Division — opening of the 25km Bang Khun Thian–Ban Phaeo M82 route — August 28, 2026.
  • Royal Thai Government — M82 toll-free trial opening announcement — August 28, 2026.
  • The Nation — M82 Ekkachai–Ban Phaeo stretch opens for 24-hour toll-free trial use — August 28, 2026.

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