On November 26, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Juangroongruangkit, along with the Ministry of Transport's Permanent Secretary, announced the temporary opening of Motorway No. 81 (M81), connecting Bang Yai and Kanchanaburi. The 96-kilometer route will be open for free use from 12:01 AM on December 26, 2024, to January 2, 2025, to facilitate New Year holiday travel. Six toll gates will be operational: Bang Yai, Nakhon Pathom East, Nakhon Pathom West, Tha Maka, Tha Muang, and Kanchanaburi. Detailed connection points will be provided later.
Currently, a partially completed 51-kilometer section between Nakhon Pathom West and Kanchanaburi is open on weekends (Friday 3:00 PM to Monday noon), serving an average of 32,000 vehicles per weekend.
During the holiday opening, vehicles will be restricted to a maximum speed of 80 km/h due to ongoing construction. Once fully operational, the motorway will support speeds up to 120 km/h and will collect tolls. Only four-wheeled vehicles will be permitted, and parking for sightseeing or selfies is prohibited, with violators subject to fines of up to 2,000 baht. Travelers are advised to check vehicle readiness and ensure a full tank of fuel before using the motorway.