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Motorway M8 Nakhon Pathom-Pak Tho Faces Further Delays

The long-anticipated Motorway M8 project, aimed at improving connectivity between central and southern Thailand, has encountered further delays. According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Juangroongruangkit, the Department of Highways (DOH) plans to submit the first phase of the project—stretching 61 kilometers from Nakhon Pathom to Pak Tho—for Cabinet approval by March 2025. If approved, bidding and land acquisition will follow, with construction now scheduled to begin in 2030 and completion expected in 2034.

The second phase, covering the 48-kilometer stretch from Pak Tho to Cha-am, remains under study. The DOH is reconsidering the route to minimize the impact on local communities, particularly in Phetchaburi province, where concerns over land expropriation have led to ongoing opposition. A revised feasibility study, expected to conclude in 2026, will determine the next steps before seeking Cabinet approval.

The M8 project, spanning a total of 109 kilometers, is part of Thailand’s 20-year master plan for motorway development (2017–2036). It is designed to alleviate congestion on Highway 35 (Rama II Road) and Highway 4 (Phetkasem Road), facilitating both passenger travel and freight transport between the central and southern regions. The first phase alone is estimated to cost 61.1 billion baht, covering civil works, land acquisition, and system installation. The motorway will feature four lanes, seven entry-exit points, three rest areas, and a toll-based revenue system.

While initially planned for earlier completion, the project’s timeline has been repeatedly adjusted. The original goal was to begin construction in 2026 and open in 2033, but the schedule has been pushed back due to administrative and planning delays.

The revised plan aligns with the government’s broader infrastructure strategy, which includes halting all new construction projects along Rama II Road to minimize disruptions. The delay in finalizing the second phase also reflects ongoing concerns from local communities. Former Minister of Transport Saksayam Chidchob had initially ordered a review of the route in 2020, but five years later, the study remains incomplete.

Officials and stakeholders continue to push for the project’s progress, citing its importance in easing congestion and enhancing economic connectivity between regions. The next steps will depend on Cabinet approval and the resolution of land acquisition challenges.

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