Driving along the iconic Don Muang Tollway is set to become a tad pricier this December, as toll charges are poised to climb by 5 to 15 baht. The tollway’s operator, Don Muang Tollway Plc, announced this adjustment on Thursday, illuminating the new rates that will range from 40 to 170 baht. These changes will be effective for a span of five years, starting from December 22 of this year and stretching all the way to December 21, 2029, neatly aligning with the concession agreement the company holds with the Department of Highways, which is valid until September 2034.
Breaking down the new tolls, here’s what commuters can expect: On the Don Muang-National Memorial section, the charge for four-wheel vehicles will now be 40 baht, a slight increase from the previous rate of 35 baht. Vehicles with more wheels will see their toll going up to 50 baht, from the earlier 45 baht.
If you’re traveling from Din Daeng to Don Muang and vice versa, the toll for four-wheel vehicles will jump to 90 baht, up from 80 baht, while larger vehicles will need to pay 120 baht, an increment from the previous 110 baht.
Lastly, for those journeying from the National Memorial to Din Daeng, four-wheeler tolls will rise to 130 baht from 115 baht. Meanwhile, bigger vehicles will see the most significant hike, with tolls increasing to 170 baht from the prior 155 baht.
As these new toll rates roll out, it’s certainly wise for regular users of the Don Muang Tollway to take note and possibly budget for these additional expenses in their travel plans. While the price hikes might sting a bit, the tollway still remains one of the vital arteries for overland travel in the region, offering convenience and quicker access across bustling parts of the city.
For seasoned drivers and newcomers alike, being aware of these updates ensures a smoother journey (and possibly fewer surprises at the toll booths!). So, gear up for December and navigate through the changes with ease.
Another fare increase? This is getting ridiculous! How do they expect regular people to afford these rates?
Seriously, it’s only a few baht more. If you can’t afford it, maybe reconsider using the tollway.
Easy for you to say, Jake. Not everyone has the luxury to scoff at even small increases. It adds up over time.
Jake, you’re missing Nina’s point. It’s the principle of constant increases without any substantial improvements in service.
Actually, I agree with Jake. The convenience the tollway provides is worth every baht. And inflation is a thing.
These toll hikes are just another way to squeeze money out of overburdened commuters. Shame on Don Muang Tollway Plc!
Commuters are already squirming with rising fuel prices, this isn’t helping.
While I understand your frustration, they do need to maintain the roads. It’s not like that comes free.
Is anyone actually surprised? Toll roads always hike their prices every few years.
How about they use some of this money to improve public transportation instead?
Exactly! More funding should go to sustainable transport options.
Ben, that’s a nice thought, but toll revenue and public transport funding are two separate budgets.
True, Helen, but lobbying for combined efforts could make a difference. We need an overhaul in priorities!
So basically, it’s going from ‘expensive’ to ‘more expensive’. Great news…
Exactly my thoughts. Can’t we get any breather here?
Why don’t people just use alternative routes? There are other roads.
Don Muang Tollway might be expensive, but it saves so much time compared to other options. Time is money, folks.
Well, Victor, not all of us have the luxury of prioritizing time over cost. The regular folks pinch pennies.
Alyssa, I get your point, but sometimes paying more upfront saves more in the long run.
Wouldn’t mind the hike if I saw improvements to the road quality or less traffic. But it’s the same old every day.
Traveled on the tollway last month, and honestly, it wasn’t great. What exactly are we paying for?
Same experience here, Carlo. Feels like they keep taking our money but the service isn’t matching.
To be fair, maintaining large highways isn’t cheap. But they could definitely do more.
If toll prices keep hiking, we should seriously consider carpooling or other transport means.
Funny how they announce the fare increases but never talk about improvements. Transparency, anyone?
I strongly second this. What improvements are they making exactly?
Just another way for them to get richer while we keep suffering. Classic!
Yep, it’s always the little guy getting crushed.
I don’t actually mind the increase. Compared to other cities, our tolls are still relatively cheap.
No need to compare misery. If others are suffering, does that mean we should too?
Maintenance alone doesn’t justify such steep hikes. What about investments in new infrastructure?