On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit will lead the inauguration of Thailand’s widest suspension bridge, Thossamaharachan Bridge, offering free public trials. The event will take place at the Suksawat Expressway toll booth in Rat Burana District, Bangkok. Spanning 42 meters and featuring eight lanes, the bridge is part of the Rama 3–Dao Khanong–Western Outer Ring Road expressway project, developed by the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT). This initiative aims to enhance travel convenience for the public as a New Year’s gesture.
The Thossamaharachan Bridge, nearing completion under Contract 3 of the project, includes an elevated road linking Bangpakok 9 International Hospital to Dao Khanong toll plaza. Final touches such as traffic lane markings and signage are underway. The bridge facilitates inbound travel to Bangkok via the Suksawat toll plaza and connects to both the Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway (Stage 1) towards Bang Na–Din Daeng and the Si Rat Expressway (Stage 2) towards Chaeng Watthana–Rama 9. Outbound travel utilizes the Chalerm Maha Nakhon and Si Rat Expressways, connecting at Bang Khlo Interchange and exiting at the Suksawat toll plaza towards Rama 2 Road.
Designed to accommodate up to 150,000 vehicles daily, the bridge is expected to alleviate congestion on Rama 9 Bridge and support maintenance efforts for the older structure.
EXAT plans to fully open the 18.7-kilometer expressway by the end of 2025, implementing toll fees across two segments: Dao Khanong to Rama 3 and Dao Khanong to the Western Outer Ring. Rates are set at THB 30 for four-wheel vehicles, THB 60 for ten-wheelers, and THB 90 for larger vehicles per segment. Full-route tolls will cost THB 60, THB 120, and THB 180, respectively. Adjustments will follow the Consumer Price Index every five years, with all revenues allocated to EXAT.
The ceremony will conclude with officials and stakeholders emphasizing the project’s role in improving Bangkok’s transport infrastructure and addressing growing commuter demands.