On March 4, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, publicly vowed that all ongoing construction projects along Rama II Road would conclude by June 2025. However, delays in some sections of the elevated motorway project between Bang Khun Thian and Ban Phaeo are raising doubts about meeting that deadline. The construction involves complex infrastructure over a 24.7-kilometer route, split into two phases, with the goal of alleviating traffic congestion on one of Bangkok’s busiest arteries.
The M82 motorway, a key part of the development, is being constructed with a budget of 29.2 billion THB. The elevated motorway will feature six lanes, running above the existing Rama II Road. Phase 1 spans 8.3 kilometers from Bang Khun Thian to the Mahachai 1 interchange in Samut Sakhon province, with construction segmented into three sections. Although the first phase is nearly 98% complete as of September 2024, concerns remain about the project’s timing and coordination with other infrastructure developments.
Initially, authorities planned to open Phase 1 temporarily without tolls along a 4-kilometer stretch between the Phanthai Norasing and Mahachai 1 exits to provide early traffic relief. However, officials scrapped this idea to prevent congestion at incomplete sections and connection points. Another factor in the delay is the ongoing construction of the Rama III–Dao Khanong expressway, which is yet to be integrated with the new motorway system.
Phase 2, extending from Ekachai to Ban Phaeo over 16.4 kilometers, is also facing significant challenges. With just over 60% of the work completed, this phase includes four additional entry and exit points, such as Mahachai 2 and Samut Sakhon. Construction teams are working in ten segments, but progress has slowed due to complications with bridge construction over the Tha Chin River, now projected to finish by the end of 2025.
Suriya’s earlier statement aimed to end what locals jokingly refer to as the “seven-generation road project,” reflecting years of delays and disruptions on Rama II. To ensure smoother traffic flow, other planned projects along the same corridor have been postponed until this one is completed. However, some residents argue that halting expansions to Wang Manao intersection, beyond Ban Phaeo, might limit the project’s long-term effectiveness.
Department of Highways Director-General Apirat Chaiwongnoi has instructed contractors to accelerate their work, but officials now admit that the June 2025 deadline may not be met. With public expectations high following Suriya’s promise, it remains to be seen how authorities will address the inevitable delays and communicate a revised timeline.
