Brace yourselves, road warriors and asphalt aficionados alike – the pavement paths of Thailand are about to get a tad pricier to tread! The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT), the guardians of smooth commutes and gateway keepers of the metropolis, have sounded the trumpet of change, heralding an adjustment in toll fees that’s bound to ruffle a few feathers… or, in this case, perhaps jingle a few coins.
Let’s dive right into the nitty-gritty, shall we? The Chalong Rat Expressway — a lifeline for those zipping from the urban sprawl of Ramindra into the bustling heart of Bangkok — is witnessing a modest uptick in its tariff structure. If you’re steering a classic four-wheeler, be prepared to shell out an extra 5 baht, as the toll vaults from 40 baht to a new plateau of 45 baht. Yet, it’s not just the family sedans and solo adventurers facing the music; the convoy of six to ten-wheelers will also feel the pinch with a 5 baht hike, ascending from 60 to the lofty heights of 65 baht. Now, for the behemoths of the road — those commanding vehicles wielding more than 10 wheels — the toll fee escalates to an eyebrow-raising 90 baht from the erstwhile 80 baht.
However, not all is doom and gloom! For those journeyers traversing from the Ramindra 1 to the Sukhapibal 5-2 toll booths, a silver lining graces the clouds. The toll for four-wheel chariots remains a steadfast 20 baht, whilst the six to ten-wheelers will witness a mild increase from 30 to 35 baht. The titans of transport, the vehicles boasting more than 10 wheels, will also see a fee update to 45 baht, kissing goodbye to the former 40 baht tag.
Yet, the plot thickens as we cruise along to the Burapha Withi Expressway, an artery extending Bangkok’s reach to the picturesque precinct of Chon Buri province. For the compact four-wheel travelers jaunting less than 20 km, relief is at hand with the toll fee holding its ground. Venture further, and the toll fee unfurls like a map, increasing from 5 baht and capping at a 10 baht increase for those adventurous souls embarking on treks beyond 20 km.
The story parallels for the mid-range juggernauts — the six to ten-wheelers — with a uniform 5 baht hike for journeys under the 20 km mark. Dare to venture beyond, and the toll will ascend by 10 baht, depending on the distance, but fear not, for this too has a ceiling, capped at 20 baht.
For the kings of cargo and lords of logistics, those commanding vehicles with over 10 wheels, a similar narrative unfolds. A modest 5 baht hike for sub-20 km jaunts, with an increment capped at 25 baht for those legendary journeys stretching their legs beyond the 20 km mark.
Why this sudden toll turmoil, you ask? The whispers of the wind hint at the EXAT’s contract with the Thailand Future Fund, a covenant ensuring the roads remain as smooth as the silk for which the land is famed. This financial facelift was initially flagged by EXAT on a balmy March 1 last year, with the toll tune set to change on September 1, 2023. However, in a twist of fate or perhaps a nod to the timeless Thai spirit of compromise, the Transport Ministry, in a stroke of pen, requested a six-month grace period, delaying the inevitable toll transformation.
The Chalong Rat Expressway, spanning a grand 28.2 kilometres, and the Burapha Withi Expressway, stretching even further at 55 km, are not merely stretches of concrete and asphalt. They are the veins and arteries of a bustling nation, ensuring the heartbeat of commerce and the rhythm of daily life marches on seamlessly. As these new tolls beckon, may we all remember the journeys they facilitate, the destinations they enable, and the adventures they inspire. So, buckle up, dear reader, for though the tolls may rise, the roads ahead remain as inviting as ever, full of stories waiting to be told and destinations waiting to be discovered.
This toll hike is yet another burden on the common man. Everything is getting expensive, and now this. How are we supposed to manage?
Maybe it’s a push towards using more eco-friendly public transport? Could be a silver lining to encourage a shift away from personal vehicles.
Public transport isn’t an option for everyone’s schedule or routes though. Not as convenient as it sounds.
True, but maybe this could lead to improvements in public transport systems as demand increases. Wishful thinking?
It’s just 5 baht, I don’t see the big deal. Everything goes up in price. It’s called inflation, people.
Higher tolls mean better road maintenance, right? I’m all for anything that makes my drive smoother and safer.
You’re assuming the extra money will indeed go to road maintenance. Past experiences make me doubtful.
Fair point, but one can hope. It’d be great to see where exactly our toll money is being spent.
For logistics and transport businesses, these toll hikes are just another cost that will ultimately fall on consumers. Everything gets more expensive.
It’s the cost of doing business. Businesses always adapt. Maybe it’ll encourage more efficient routes or technologies.
Adapt, sure, but at what cost? My delivery business is small and these changes hit us the hardest.
Increases in tolls could incentivize carpooling and reduce traffic, which is a win for the environment. It’s about seeing the big picture.
Carpooling is great, but not always practical. Not everyone has the same destination or work hours.
Our city’s infrastructure isn’t ready for a major shift to carpooling or public transport. We need better planning.
Did you know? Toll roads have been around since ancient times. They’re not just about making money, but managing the flow and maintenance of roads.
Coming from a place with no toll roads, this is always a bit of a shock to the system. I guess it’s about understanding the local infrastructure needs.
Yeah, it’s something you get used to. But it’s always interesting to see how it funds our roadways differently compared to taxes elsewhere.