Thai Govt greenlights new M9 motorway linking Nonthaburi’s Bang Bua Thong district to Ayutthaya’s Bang Pa-in district
Part of the western Bangkok beltway
The government has greenlighted a new expressway linking Bang Bua Thong district in Nonthaburi province to Ayutthaya’s Bang Pa-in district.
The 15.8-billion-baht M9 motorway linking Bang Bua Thong and Bang Pa-in will be the latest in a series of beltways encircling the western side of Bangkok and will stretch past the provinces of Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Ayutthaya, said government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat after the cabinet approved the project, in principle, on Tuesday.
The Office of the Council of State has approved the project because it is part of the 2026 budget and will not create binding obligations for the next cabinet, he said.
Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said this project will be overseen by the Department of Highways. Construction will be covered by the toll-fee budget and the department’s budget.
He said the M9 construction had been reviewed before being included in the 2026 budget.
The Ministry of Transport has already consulted with the Council of State regarding the approval process and has been informed that it can be submitted to the cabinet for consideration.
He said the government was trying to secure budget approval during the election season and that the project has been in place for quite some time.
He also said the approval of the project after parliament dissolution may lead to some concerns, however, the project is not related to the election.
There should be no concern that a complaint will be raised with the Election Commission regarding the approval, since the M9 motorway was earlier planned, he said.
However, new projects that are not part of the annual budget system that seek approval during the election campaigning period may create an issue, he said.
Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3170298/govt-greenlights-new-m9-motorway
