The Bang Yai – Kanchanaburi Motorway, designated as M81, will be accessible to motorists without charge from December 26 to January 2, announced by the Department of Highways.

This 93 km motorway, currently 99% constructed and with system installations 66% complete, is set to dramatically decrease travel time between Bang Yai in Nonthaburi province and Kanchanaburi province to approximately one hour, as per Apirat Chaiwongnoi, the department's director-general.

Lauded for its potential to boost tourism and the local economy in Thailand's western region, M81 is also designed with high safety standards to minimize traffic accidents.

Since April, sections of M81 have been open for weekend trials, particularly the segment spanning 51 km between West Nakhon Pathom and Kanchanaburi, available from Friday afternoons through Monday mornings.

During the free trial period, only 4-wheel vehicles are permitted, observing an enforced speed limit of 80 km/h.

Motorists can access M81 without tolls at six key checkpoints: Bang Yai, East Nakhon Pathom, West Nakhon Pathom, Tha Maka, Tha Muang, and Kanchanaburi.