A new motorway, connecting the north of Bangkok to the northeastern region, is to be opened for a trial period during Songkran, after the transport ministry completes inspections this weekend.

A 36-kilometre stretch, part of the Bang Pa-in to Korat motorway, will be the first to be tested with normal traffic. It will open to motorists for 24 hours with an 80km/hr speed limit. This part of the highway will connect to gateway roads to northeastern regions of Thailand.

The Department of Highways say that the trial will be outbound from Bangkok only, between 9th and 13th April, then inbound to Bangkok only, between 14th and 19th April, during which only 4-wheel vehicles will be allowed. Lorries and motorcycles are not permitted.