The cabinet agreed today to waive toll fees on national motorways 7 and 9 during the Songkran festival. The waiver will last from April 11 to April 17.

Deputy government spokesperson, Karom Phonphonklang, said it is expected that 5.1 million vehicles will use these routes during the long holiday.

The waiver will cost the government an estimated Bt190 million in lost revenue, but is expected to generate economic benefits of about Bt285 million in saved expense and time.

National motorway No 7 links Bangkok with Pattaya, while No 9 is on Kanchanapisek Road, between Bang Pa-in and Bang Plee and Phra Pradaeng- Bang Khun Thian.