Thailand: Thailand's Ministry of Transport has opened a 16.4-kilometer extension of the M82 elevated motorway for a free 24-hour trial, providing a 25-kilometer continuous route to alleviate chronic traffic on Rama II Road, the primary corridor linking Bangkok to southern Thailand. The newly opened section runs between Ekachai and Ban Phaeo in Samut Sakhon province, connecting to an earlier section opened in October 2025, allowing long-distance traffic to bypass local congestion. Four entry and exit ramps are currently operational, while two remaining ramps are still under construction.

According to Thai News Agency, Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn stated that the trial aims to streamline travel between the capital and southern provinces, particularly during peak holiday periods. The Department of Highways has set a speed limit of 80 km/h for four-wheel vehicles and 65 km/h for trucks and buses. Pedestrians, motorcycles, and three-wheeled vehicles are prohibited from using the elevated structure.

Civil construction on the M82 motorway is approximately 98 percent complete and expected to finish within 2026. Toll collection and traffic control systems are scheduled for installation in 2027, with full commercial operations targeted for 2029.