A common concern about living in Hua Hin is the traffic to and from Bangkok. During the week and avoiding rush hour, getting to and from Bangkok downtown to Hua Hin shouldn’t take more than three hours. However, expect one or two hours extra during the weekend. New expressway developments are set to improve travel between the Nakhon Pathom region and central Thailand.
The four-lane M8 expressway is expected to significantly reduce travel time to and from Hua Hin, Cha Am, Phetchaburi, and Nakhon Pathom. Construction is expected to commence in 2024, with the route scheduled to open to motorists in 2027.
The M8 expressway in short:
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Improved connectivity: The M8 will connect with the Intercity Highway – Bang Yai – Kanchanaburi (M81) at the Nakhon Chai Sri Interchange in Nakhon Pathom and end on the National Highway No. 4 at the 188-kilometer marker in Tha Yang.
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Nine toll gates: The route will include a total of nine toll gates to manage traffic flow and generate revenue for the project.
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M-Flow integration: The M8 will be integrated with Thailand’s digitised toll-gate payment system, M-Flow, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) and video toll cameras for faster and more accurate toll collection.
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Five rest areas and roadside facilities: The expressway will feature five rest areas and roadside facilities, including rest stops, service areas, and a service center.
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Computer-aided traffic control system: A computer-aided traffic control system will be implemented to monitor and manage traffic flow, enhance road safety, and provide real-time traffic information to drivers.
Reduced land expropriation: The M8 expressway will utilize a combination of roads and elevated structures with bridges to minimize the impact on land expropriation.