Post by : Shakul

Thailand’s Ministry of Transport has directed the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) to accelerate the development of major expressway projects aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving transportation efficiency across the country. The policy announcement was made during an official meeting led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Pipat Ratchakitprakarn in Bangkok.

The meeting took place on May 14, 2026, at the EXAT Management Center building. Senior officials from the Ministry of Transport and executives from EXAT attended the event to discuss future infrastructure plans, road safety measures and environmentally friendly transport systems for Thailand’s growing urban areas.

Deputy Prime Minister Pipat stated that the government considers the expansion of Thailand’s expressway network a key national priority. He explained that improving road connectivity would help reduce travel time, ease traffic congestion and support long-term economic growth while improving the quality of life for people across the country.

The Ministry of Transport instructed EXAT to speed up several important quick-win projects, including the Rama 3–Dao Khanong–Western Bangkok Outer Ring Road Expressway project and the Chalong Ratch Expressway Extension project connecting Chatu Chot and Lam Luk Ka Road. Authorities emphasized that public safety must remain the highest priority during every phase of construction, especially in high-traffic areas such as Rama 2 Road.

The government also ordered faster progress on additional infrastructure projects designed to support Bangkok’s urban expansion and economic activity. These include the Srinakarin–Suvarnabhumi Expressway project and the Chalong Ratch–Eastern Bangkok Outer Ring Road Expressway project. Officials are also conducting detailed studies for the future double-deck elevated expressway project between Ngamwongwan and Rama 9.

In southern Thailand, authorities are continuing efforts to support regional economic development through the Phuket Expressway Phase 2 project covering the New City, Koh Kaew and Kathu sections. The government is preparing to submit the project for Cabinet approval as part of long-term urban development plans in Phuket.

EXAT Governor Surachet Laopulsuk stated that the agency is fully prepared to implement the ministry’s policies and complete major projects according to schedule. He explained that EXAT is also improving construction safety standards, traffic management systems and public services to provide smoother and safer travel experiences for drivers.

The agency has also expanded the use of digital technology and modern transport innovations. EXAT continues to promote the Easy Pass automated toll collection system and improve the EXAT Portal mobile application to provide faster and more convenient services for expressway users throughout Thailand.

According to EXAT, around 57.61 percent of vehicles currently use the Easy Pass system. The organization plans to increase usage to 70 percent by 2028 to improve traffic flow, reduce waiting times at toll booths and lower fuel consumption caused by congestion.

EXAT also reaffirmed its commitment to environmentally friendly transportation under its Green Transport strategy. The agency plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2030 and aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2065 through clean energy technologies, solar rooftop systems, LED lighting upgrades, EV charging stations and the increased use of electric vehicles within the organization.

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