NAKHON RATCHASIMA — Traffic on the special highway, M6 Motorway, has ground to a slow crawl stretching several kilometers as citizens begin their return journey to the capital.
Reporters observing the traffic flow at Kilometer 114, near Ban Pin Thong in Khanong Phra Subdistrict, Pak Chong District, noted a significant increase in vehicle volume. The congestion intensified near Kilometer 4 in Nong Nam Daeng Subdistrict, a key entry and exit point for vehicles coming from Nakhon Ratchasima to enter Bangkok.
A large number of vehicles merging at this point caused a bottleneck, resulting in tailbacks extending for several kilometers. Authorities expect the volume of accumulated traffic to rise further this evening.
The Department of Highways has opened the M6 Motorway (Bang Pa-in – Pak Chong section) free of charge for the New Year 2026 festival until January 5, 2026, covering a total distance of 196 kilometers. To manage the flow, officials initially designated the route as a one-way street for outbound traffic leaving Bangkok during the first seven days of the festival.
Drivers heading outbound (Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima) can use the route only until 24:00 on January 1, 2026.
Officials will temporarily close traffic on the Bang Pa-in – Pak Chong section from 00:01 to 06:00 on January 2, 2026. This strict closure allows authorities to clear all vehicles from the route and reverse the traffic flow to “Inbound” (heading to Bangkok) to accommodate the return rush.
Source: The Thaiger