Bangkok: Traffic volume on the Asian Highway and Friendship Highway continues to increase as people are gradually returning to their hometowns for the New Year festival. Traffic on the Asian Highway heading north is increasing steadily, causing slowdowns at several points. Meanwhile, the Friendship Highway, the gateway to the Northeast, is experiencing heavy traffic.

According to Thai News Agency, on the Asian Highway, specifically on Highway 32 through Ang Thong Province heading towards the northern provinces, traffic volume has increased since the afternoon, but vehicles can still maintain speeds of 80-100 kilometers per hour. There are several slowdown points, particularly at kilometer 54 in Talat Kruat Subdistrict, Mueang Ang Thong District, which is a construction site for the new Ang Thong bypass interchange and a rest area.

In the event of traffic congestion, highway police will open special lanes to alleviate the problem. Officials advise motorists traveling north on the Asian Highway to use the irrigation canal road parallel to the Asian Highway, or to detour via Highway 33 (Ang Thong-Suphan Buri) at the Pa Mok intersection, heading towards the Suphan Buri bypass to enter Chai Nat Province, where it will rejoin the Asian Highway. Alternatively, they can use the old Highway 309 (Ang Thong-Sing Buri) through Ang Thong Province, entering Sing Buri and Chai Nat, where traffic will be less congested.

As travelers return to their hometowns in the Northeast on Mittraphap Road (Highway 2), the gateway to the Northeast, particularly through Non Sung, Khong, and Sida districts in Nakhon Ratchasima province, traffic volume is steadily increasing. Officials from the Nakhon Ratchasima Highway District 2 and highway police are facilitating traffic flow, placing traffic cones at intersections and gas station turns to increase caution and encourage drivers to slow down and prevent collisions. Traffic volume is expected to worsen this evening and throughout the night.