The Department of Highways has submitted the first phase of the proposed Motorway M8 project, covering the 61-kilometre Nakhon Pathom to Pak Tho section, to the Ministry of Transport for consideration.
The move marks a step forward in the development of the Nakhon Pathom–Cha-am intercity motorway, intended to enhance regional connectivity once construction begins in 2027.
Currently, the project is under review by several government agencies, including the Budget Bureau, the Ministry of Finance, the National Economic and Social Development Council, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. If approved by the Cabinet, a royal decree for land expropriation will be drafted and submitted for further endorsement.
An initial survey indicates that approximately 5,340 rai of land will be required, with compensation costs estimated at 14.4 billion baht. Following Cabinet approval of the land acquisition decree, bidding for contractors is expected to begin in 2026. Construction is projected to span four years, with the motorway expected to be operational by 2031.
Motorway M8 is designed to stretch 109 kilometres in total, divided into two phases. The first phase runs through Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, and Samut Songkhram, connecting to the M81 motorway near the Sisa Thong toll plaza and ending at Pak Tho in Ratchaburi. The second phase extends 48 kilometres from Pak Tho to Cha-am in Phetchaburi, but remains under review due to public concerns over land expropriation in the area.
The first phase, with a budget of 61.15 billion baht, includes 40.16 billion for civil works, 14.4 billion for land acquisition, and 6.59 billion for system construction. The road will feature four lanes (two in each direction), seven interchanges, and three rest areas. Toll collection will include both manual and barrier-free electronic systems.
As for the second phase, an 85-million-baht budget has been requested in the 2026 fiscal year to re-examine the route alignment over a 15-month study period, responding to local feedback in Phetchaburi province.
Attendance details, including those of highway officials and regional representatives, have been noted but were not a primary focus during this stage of project evaluation.
