Bangkok: The Department of Highways and the Department of Rural Roads have jointly recommended four alternative routes for travelers heading to provincial areas during the Songkran festival in 2026. This initiative aims to alleviate traffic congestion on major roads and ensure that people can reach their destinations conveniently, safely, and on time.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pichit Hunsiri, Director-General of the Department of Rural Roads, announced that due to the Songkran festival, also known as the Thai New Year, there is a significant increase in travel as people head back to their hometowns or visit various provinces. Recognizing the potential for heavy traffic during the long holiday period from April 11-15, 2026, the Department of Rural Roads has identified these alternative routes to serve as shortcuts or bypasses.
The Department of Highways has recommended these routes to help travelers plan their journeys efficiently. The four routes include a traffic bypass between Ang Thong and Sing Buri provinces, an alternative route to avoid congestion on Rama II Road, a route to bypass traffic on Phahonyothin Road between Rangsit and Hinkong, and another to avoid congestion between Rangsit and Bang Pa-in Ring Road.
The first alternative route allows travelers to bypass Highway 32 by starting from kilometer 52+550 and using Rural Highway AT.2034 to reach Singburi Province. The second route helps avoid Highway 35 by traveling from Phetkasem Road to Rama II Road via a series of rural highways. The third route provides an alternative for those traveling on Phahonyothin Road, guiding them through a combination of highways and rural roads to reach the Northeast. Lastly, the fourth route offers a bypass from Rangsit to Saraburi province, using Highway 346 and rural roads to reach the Bang Pa-in 1 Toll Plaza.
To further assist travelers, the Department of Rural Roads will install signs along the rural highway network to indicate these alternative routes for faster and more convenient travel. For additional information or assistance, travelers are encouraged to contact the local rural highway district office or the DRR hotline at 1146.