Thai highway network

Highway Sign

The Thai highway network follows the left-hand traffic rule of the road. The network is the twin responsibility of the Department of Highways (DOH, Thai: กรมทางหลวง, Krom Thang Luang), and the Department of Rural Roads (DORR, กรมทางหลวงชนบท, Krom Thang Luang Chonnabot), under the oversight of the Transportation ministry of Thailand. Public highways (ทางหลวง, thang luang) are also called public roads (ถนนหลวง, thanon luang), especially when part of urban streets. The network spans over 70,000 kilometers across all regions of Thailand.[1] Most are single carriageways. Dual carriageways have frequent u-turn lanes and intersections slowing down traffic. Coupled with the increase in the number of vehicles and the demand for a limited-access motorway, the Thai Government issued a Cabinet resolution in 1997 detailing the motorway construction master plan.[2] Some upgraded sections of highway are being turned into a "motorway", while other motorways are not being built from highway sections.

Types of highways

The 1992 Highway Act (Thai: พระราชบัญญัติทางหลวง พ.ศ. 2535), revised as the 2006 Highway Act (Thai: พระราชบัญญัติทางหลวง (ฉบับที่ 2) พ.ศ. 2549), defines the following five highway types:[3]

A special highway (Thai: ทางหลวงพิเศษ) or motorway is a high capacity highway designed for high speed traffic, for which the Department of Highways carries out construction, expansion, upkeep and repairs, and is registered as such. Motorway entrances and exits have controlled access, and controlled by the DOH. Registration of motorways is overseen by the Director General of the DOH.

A national highway (Thai: ทางหลวงแผ่นดิน) is a primary highway, part of the network connecting regions, provinces, districts, and other important destinations, for which the DOH carries out construction, expansion, upkeep and repairs. Registration of national highways is overseen by the Director General of the DOH.

A rural highway (Thai: ทางหลวงชนบท) or rural road is a highway for which the Department of Rural Roads carries out construction, expansion, upkeep and repairs. Registration of rural highways is overseen by the Director General of the DORR.

A local highway (Thai: ทางหลวงท้องถิ่น) or local route is a highway for which the local administrative organization carries out construction, expansion, upkeep and repairs. Registration of rural highways is overseen by the provincial governor.

A concession highway (Thai: ทางหลวงสัมปทาน) is a highway for which a legal government concession has been granted. Registration of concession highways is overseen by the Director General of the DOH.

Highway numbering

The first digit of a highway number indicates the region of Thailand it serves, with the number of digits indicating the highway classification.[4] These regions are:

  1. Northern Thailand.
  2. Northeastern Thailand.
  3. Central and eastern, including the upper south.
  4. Southern Thailand, except the upper south.

A single digit indicates one of four highways connecting Bangkok to outlying regions:[4]

Two digits indicate a principal highway within a region, such as Route 22 in the northeast between Udon Thani and Nakhon Phanom.[4]

Three digits indicate a regional secondary highway, such as northeastern Route 202 between Chaiyaphum and Khemarat, and central Route 314 between Bang Pakong and Cha Choeng Sao.[4]

Four digits indicate an intra-province highway connecting a provincial capital to its districts, or between important sites, such as northern Route 1001 between the Route 11 intersection and Amphoe Phrao, and southern Route 4006 between the Route 4 intersection (Ratchakrut) and Lang Suan.[4]

Highways by region

Northern Thailand

Sign on Route 12 in the north of the country
Bridge construction on route 108
Route 12/Asian Highway 16 in Phetchabun Province being widened (2013 CE)

Northeastern Thailand

Central Thailand including eastern region

AH1, AH2 and Thailand Route 32 in Ayutthaya
  • Route 3 (Sukhumvit Road) : Bangkok–Trat as
  • Route 31 (Vibhavadi Rangsit Road) : Bangkok–Pathum Thani.
  • Route 32 Ayutthaya–Nakhon Sawan as
  • Route 33 (Suwannasorn Road, Thai: ถนนสุวรรณศร) : Saraburi–Sa Kaeo as
  • Route 34 (Bang Na Expressway): part of the Bang Na-Trat highway, Bangkok–Chachoengsao as
  • Route 35 (Rama II Road, Thai: ถนนพระราม 2): Bangkok–Pak Tho
  • Route 36 (Pattaya-Rayong Bypass Road): Bang Lamung (Pattaya) - Rayong as
  • Route 37 (Bypass Cha'am-Pranburi)
  • Route 301: Bang Sue (Bangkok) - Nonthaburi
  • Route 302 (Rattanathibet Road): Chatuchak (Bangkok) - Bang Yai (Nonthaburi)
  • Route 303 (Suksawat Road, Thai: ถนนสุขสวัสดิ์): Chom Thong-Phra Samut Chedi
  • Route 304: Pak Kret, Nonthaburi–Nakhon Ratchasima as
  • Route 305: Rangsit–Nakhon Nayok
  • Route 306 (Rama VII Road, Thai: สายพระราม 7)
  • Route 307: Pak Kret-Pathum Thani
  • Route 308: Entrance to Bang Pa-in
  • Route 309 (Rojana Road): Sing Buri – Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, following the Chao Phraya river
  • Route 310: Entrance to Saraburi
  • Route 311 (Narai the Great Road)
  • Route 312: Route 1 to Chai Nat
  • Route 314 (Siri Sothon Road): Bang Pakong - Chachoengsao (Chachoengsao Province)
  • Route 315: Chachoengsao - Chonburi
  • Route 316: Route 3 - Route 3150 (Chantaburi)
  • Route 317: Chantaburi - Sa Kaeo
  • Route 318: Trat - Hat Lek (now superseded by Route 3)
  • Route 319 (Suwinthawong Road): Nong Cha Om - Phanom Sarakham
  • Route 320 (Prachin Thani Road)
  • Route 321 (Malaiman Road): Nakhon Pathom - Mueang Suphan
  • Route 322 Mueang Suphan - Don Chedi (Suphanburi)
  • Route 323: (Sangchuto Road): Ban Pong District (Ratchaburi Province) - Three Pagodas Pass, Sangkhla Buri District (Kanchanaburi Province) as
  • Route 324: Kanchanaburi Province – Suphan Buri Province
  • Route 325: Bang Phae, Ratchaburi – Mueang Samut Songkhram
  • Route 326: Entrance to Khan
  • Route 327
  • Route 329: Nong Khae - Suphan Buri (now superseded by Route 33)
  • Route 330: Entrance to Ratchaburi
  • Route 331: Sattahip (Chonburi Province) – Phanom Sarakham (Chachoengsao Province)
  • Route 332 (Sattahip Bypass Road): Sattahip (Chonburi Province) – Ban Chang (Rayong Province)
  • Route 333: U Thong (Suphan Buri Province) – Phayuha Khiri (Nakhon Sawan Province)
  • Route 334: Mueang Ang Thong – Route 309 (Ang Thong Province)
  • Route 335: Route 32 – Route 311 (Mueang Sing Buri District)
  • Route 336 (Lat Phrao Road, Thai: ถนนลาดพร้าว): Chatuchak District - Huai Khwang - Wang Thonglang - Bang Kapi (Bangkok)
  • Route 338 (Borommaratchachonnani Road): Bangkok Noi – Route 4 (Nakhon Chai Si) as
  • Route 339: Route 306 (Bang Sue) - Nonthaburi - Pathum Thani (designation decommissioned)
  • Route 340: Motorway 9/Route 345, Bang Bua Thong (Nonthaburi Province) – Route 1, Mueang Chai Nat (Chai Nat Province)
  • Route 341 (Sirindhorn Road): Bang Phlat – Bang Kruai (Nonthaburi Province)
  • Route 343 (Rama IX Road): Din Daeng - Suan Luang (Bangkok), downgraded to local road
  • Route 344: Route 3, Mueang Chonburi (Chonburi Province) – Route 3, Klaeng (Rayong Province)
  • Route 345: Motorway 9/Route 340, Bang Bua Thong (Nonthaburi Province) – Route 346, Mueang Pathum Thani (Pathum Thani District)
  • Route 346: Route 1/Route 305, Thanyaburi (Pathum Thani Province)– Route 324, Phanom Thuan (Kanchanaburi Province)
  • Route 347: Mueang Phanom Thani (Pathum Thani Province) – Maha Rat District (Ayutthaya Province)
  • Route 348: Aranyaprathet – Nang Rong as
  • Route 349: Route 315, Phanat Nikhom – Route 344, Nong Chak
  • Route 350: Route 351, Nawamin – Route 304, Saeng Arun (Bangkok)
  • Route 351 (Prasoet Manukit Road, Thai: ถนนประเสริฐมนูกิจ): Chatuchak District - Bueng Kum (Bangkok)
  • Route 352: Route 3004, Thanyaburi (Pathum Thani Province) – Route 309, Wang Noi (Ayutthaya Province)
  • Route 354: Entrance to Suvarnabhumi Airport
  • Route 356 (Ayutthaya Bypass Road): Route 32 – Route 347 (Ayutthaya)
  • Route 357: Suphanburi Ring Road
  • Route 359: Route 33, Mueang Sa Kaeo (Sa Kaeo Province) – Route 304, Phanom Sarakham (Chachoengsao Province)
  • Route 361: Chonburi Bypass Road
  • Route 362: Saraburi Ring Road
  • Route 363
  • Route 364: Rayong Bypass Road
  • Route 365: Chachoengsao Bypass Road
  • Route 366: Lopburi Bypass Road
  • Route 367: Kanchanaburi Bypass Road
  • Route 368: Ang Thong Bypass Road
  • Route 369: Singburi Bypass Road
  • Route 370: Entrance to Suvarnabhumi Airport
  • Route 372: Aranyaprathet Bypass Road
  • Route 375: Ban Bo - Don Tum
  • Route 3001: Entrance to barracks at Chiraprawat
  • Route 3004
  • Route 3005
  • Route 3006
  • Route 3008
  • Route 3010
  • Route 3012
  • Route 3013
  • Route 3015
  • Route 3016
  • Route 3017
  • Route 3019
  • Route 3020
  • Route 3021
  • Route 3022
  • Route 3024
  • Route 3027
  • Route 3028
  • Route 3030
  • Route 3032
  • Route 3033
  • Route 3034
  • Route 3036: Route 3095, Mueang Nakhon Pathom – intersection at Route 346, Don Tum (now superseded by Route 375)
  • Route 3038
  • Route 3039
  • Route 3040
  • Route 3041
  • Route 3042
  • Route 3043
  • Route 3044: Sao Hai – Nong Saeng (now part of Route 3041)
  • Route 3045
  • Route 3046
  • Route 3047: Mueang Phuket – Nong Saeng (now part of Route 3041)
  • Route 3048
  • Route 3049: Route 33, Mueang Nakhon Nayok – Nang Rong Falls (Nakhon Nayok Province)
  • Route 3050: Entrance to Sarika Waterfall (Nakhon Nayok Province)
  • Route 3051
  • Route 3052
  • Route 3056
  • Route 3062: Route 309 (Wat Pun) – Bang Pahan (designation decommissioned)
  • Route 3063
  • Route 3064
  • Route 3065 Pho Thong – Sawaeng Ha (now part of Route 3064)
  • Route 3066: Rangsit – Pratunam Chulalongkorn (designation decommissioned)
  • Route 3067
  • Route 3068: Aranyaprathet–Lahan Sai (redesignated as Route 348)
  • Route 3069
  • Route 3070
  • Route 3076
  • Route 3077
  • Route 3078
  • Route 3079
  • Route 3080: Entrance to Potharam
  • Route 3081
  • Route 3084
  • Route 3085 Yangko-Lamsai-Simongkhon
  • Route 3086 Latña-Boploi-Danchang
  • Route 3087 Ratchaburi-Käm'on
  • Route 3088 Ratchaburi-Wandao
  • Route 3089: Khao Ngu Stone Park – Route 323 (Ratchaburi Province) (now part of Route 3291)
  • Route 3090
  • Route 3091 (Setthakit Road 1): Motorway 35, Mueang Samut Sakhon – Route 4, Krathum Baen
  • Route 3092
  • Route 3093
  • Route 3094: Entrance to Nakhon Chai Si
  • Route 3097: Route 4, Nakhon Pathom - Route 35, Ban Bo (now superseded by Route 375)
  • Route 3100: Route 346 (Rangsit) – Rangsit Prayunsak (now part of Route 345)
  • Route 3102 (Sanphawut Road): Bang Na – Route 3109 (Bangkok)
  • Route 3110
  • Route 3111: Route 307/Route 3035, Pathum Thani Province – Route 3263, Sena District
  • Route 3113 (Phuchao Saming Phray Road): Route 3 – Bhumibol Bridge (Mueang Samut Prakan)
  • Route 3116
  • Route 3117: (Khlong Dan-Bang Bo Road, Rattanarat Road) Route 3, Khlong Dan – Bang Na Expressway, Bang Bo (Samut Prakan Province)
  • Route 3119 (Rom Klao Road): Min Buri - Lat Krabang (Bangkok)
  • Route 3136 (North Pattaya Road)
  • Route 3138
  • Route 3139
  • Route 3191
  • Route 3195
  • Route 3196
  • Route 3202 (Nawamin Road, Thai: ถนนนวมินทร์): Khan Na Yao - Bang Kapi (Bangkok), downgraded to local road
  • Route 3214
  • Route 3215
  • Route 3232
  • Route 3233
  • Route 3242
  • Route 3256
  • Route 3260
  • Route 3263
  • Route 3267
  • Route 3268
  • Route 3278 (Seri Thai Road, Thai: ถนนเสรีไทย): Min Buri-Bang Kapi (Bangkok), downgraded to local road
  • Route 3296
  • Route 3309
  • Route 3310
  • Route 3312 (Lam Luk Ka Road, Thai: ถนนลำลูกกา): Rangsit-Lam Luk Ka (Pathum Thani)
  • Route 3316
  • Route 3344
  • Route 3351
  • Route 3354
  • Route 3356
  • Route 3373
  • Route 3376
  • Route 3394
  • Route 3412
  • Route 3413
  • Route 3414
  • Route 3415
  • Route 3420
  • Route 3423
  • Route 3442
  • Route 3451
  • Route 3454
  • Route 3584

Southern Thailand

(Please expand)

Department of Highway signage

Route number signs

DOH signs for public highways (ทางหลวง, thang luang) are white squares with a black garuda (ครุฑ khrut) centered above the route number.

Signs near the beginning of a route may display the highway's name on a white rectangle above or below the square.

Highways bypassing city centres bear the principal route number marked "Bypass" in Thai (เลี่ยงเมือง), and sometimes also in English.

Department of Rural Roads

DORR rural roads do not follow the regional numbering scheme, above.

Signs may be black-on-white or gold-on-blue, with a two-letter province designation prefixed to the road number. Depicted is SK. 3015, for a rural road in Songkhla Province. The rural road network measures some 35,000 km, about 82 percent of which is paved. The Department of Rural Roads of the Ministry of Transport takes care of the maintenance of all the rural roads in Thailand.[5]

Kilometer stones

A kilometer zero stone in northern Thailand
Milestone as goal is lakh chai (หลักชัย); also see Lak Mueang, Lakh.

Lak or Lakh kilomet (หลักกิโลเมตร) single-carriageway kilometer stone facings display the route number on the outline of a garuda. Some kilometer stones also display the route number on top. Those located to the left of the carriageway display kilometers remaining to the road's beginning at kilometer 0. As seen on the right from the opposite lane, the kilometre stones ascend in value as one proceeds away from kilometer 0. On edges facing traffic, DOH kilometer stones usually show distances remaining to the next two towns, (amphoe seats, or provincial capitals.) Some edges, such as the one depicted to the left, have retroreflector panels. Dual carriageway kilometre stones or posts in the median strip show only the kilometre number.


DORR milestones show the kilometre number, and the edges may show distances remaining to the next two villages.


Older roads built by the Ministry of the Interior Public Works Department (กรมโยธาธิการ กระทรวงมหาดไทย) have only departmental insignia and kilometre number, and do not show distances on their edges.


This type of kilometre stone is sometimes found on older rural highways built during a period of rural development several decades ago. They are marked with the Thai characters รพช, an abbreviation for Rengrat Pattana Chonabot (เร่งรัดพัฒนาชนบท) which, roughly translated, means Rapid Rural Development.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Thailand Public Relations Department Transport and Communication. Retrieved October 14, 2008. Archived March 1, 2012, at the Wayback Machine.
  2. ↑ Paper "Privatization of Highway Infrastructure in Thailand" Bureau of Planning, Department of Highways, Thailand. Retrieved 2008-10-19. Archived July 11, 2012, at the Wayback Machine.
  3. ↑ DOH website, ประเภททางหลวง, retrieved on November 13, 2008 Archived December 11, 2011, at the Wayback Machine.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 "ระบบหมายเลขทางหลวง". Department of Highways website. Department of Highways. Archived from the original on 5 October 2011. Retrieved 13 August 2011.
  5. ↑ World Bank, Transport in Thailand. Retrieved October 14, 2008.
  • Asian / ASEAN Highway Route Marker (21MB) Department of Highways Thai-language 18-page file, with 1 index and 8 regional maps of AH system overlaid on existing Thai national highways, plus diagrams of AH route markers. Retrieved 2008-10-14.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.