Imagine this—a bustling city where motorbikes whirl past, the aroma of street food fills the air, and skyscrapers stretch to the clouds. Welcome to Bangkok! In a joyful twist of fate for the city’s busy motorists, the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) has decided to sprinkle some extra kindness during the Asanha Bucha and Buddhist Lent holidays, by making the trio of expressways toll-free for two whole days.
In a grand gesture of holiday goodwill, the toll barriers are down on July 10 and 11, inviting cars to zoom through without reaching for their wallets. Some 61 toll booths scattered across the Chalerm Maha Nakhon, Si Rat, and Udon Ratthaya expressways will roll out a financial red carpet for the public, aiming to lighten the load on travelers’ pockets.
Let’s dive into the details. On the Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway, a whooping 20 toll booths waive their fees, making pathways like Dao Khanong, Din Daeng, Bang Na, and others entirely cost-free. Meanwhile, on the Si Rat Expressway, a staggering 31 booths are thrown open, welcoming motorists to glide through without the customary scamper for change.
As for the Udon Ratthaya Expressway, 10 booths join the party, offering gratis access in locations such as Mueang Thong Thani and Bang Phun. All this comes under the benevolent eye of the Ministry of Transport, which endorsed this initiative as part of revised concession agreements with Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM) and Northern Bangkok Expressway Company Ltd (NECL).
But why, you might ask? Well, it’s more than just a goodwill gesture. The aim is sweet and simple—to lessen the financial burden on travelers during the public holidays, ensuring more holiday cheer without the added cost.
Speaking of holidays, in a move echoing the evolving social landscape, May witnessed the Thai government giving a little flexibility to its alcohol ban on sacred Buddhist holidays. Announced via the revered Royal Gazette on May 9, some exceptions now paint these days a bit more hospitable for travelers and merry-makers.
Restaurants and bars at airports can now stock up and serve up drinks to those departing on their next big adventure. Select tourist-friendly zones keep catering to eager guests, and hotels under the Hotel Act can continue to provide that perfect nightcap. Even special events like international gatherings can now apply for special exemptions.
So whether you’re cruising the blissfully free expressways of Bangkok or enjoying a culturally sensitive sip of wine at a special venue, Thailand graciously offers a warm embrace of modernity intertwined with tradition. Cheers to that!
This is such an interesting move! Free tolls could really ease up traffic, but isn’t it going to cost the government a lot of money?
True, Tommy. But sometimes public satisfaction is worth more than the toll fees. It’s holiday goodwill after all.
That’s a fair point, Sophia. Plus, it’s a nice gesture that shows they care about the public in an era of rising living costs.
Costs? Are you kidding? The government makes tons off of motorists every other day. A bit of generosity won’t bankrupt them.
I’m just wondering if these open expressways will lead to accidents. People might drive crazier when they don’t pay.
I doubt accidents will increase just because it’s free. People need to stay responsible.
Wouldn’t it make sense to monitor traffic more closely during those days, just in case?
With tolls lifted, I bet the streets will be packed! I hope the expressways can actually handle the increased traffic.
Yeah, I hope the road infrastructure is ready. But at least it will be better than the usual gridlock in Bangkok.
Thailand really knows how to blend modernity with tradition. Alcohol exceptions on Buddhist holidays make it friendly for tourists.
Such exceptions on religious holidays! It’s a slippery slope that’s disrespectful to Buddhist values.
I see your point, but flexibility can strengthen tourism and bring people closer to the local culture.
I’m curious how the rolling out of free tolls will compete with public transportation. Does this deter people from using eco-friendly options?
Public transportation is still a more sustainable choice long-term. Free tolls are just a temporary perk.
Do Thailand’s expressways usually make a killing? I wonder if they’ll raise tolls after this to make up for the loss.
Jim, they might. But I think the government calculated this carefully. They want to maintain good rapport with the public.
Hope this doesn’t lead to people waiting for ‘toll-free’ announcements before planning any road trip!
Well, if it saves money, why not? But it could bottleneck the roads if everyone has the same idea.
Haha, seems logical, but yeah, could become a catch-22!
Other countries need to take note! This is how you support your people during big holidays without emptying their pockets.
All this sounds nice, but let’s not be surprised if these friendly perks come with hidden costs later.
That’s how most governments work, but let’s just hope for the best this time.