PUBLISHED : 27 Dec 2025 at 05:38

NEWSPAPER SECTION: News

stretches of Ratchadamri, Rama I, Phloenchit, Phetchaburi, and Ratchaprarop roads will be temporarily closed on Dec 31 and Jan 1 to facilitate the CentralWorld Bangkok Countdown 2026. (Photo supplied)

Parts of several major roads in central Bangkok will be temporarily closed on Dec 31 and Jan 1 to facilitate the CentralWorld Bangkok Countdown 2026, as authorities roll out traffic and safety measures for New Year celebrations.

According to an announcement published in the Royal Gazette, stretches of Ratchadamri, Rama I, Phloenchit, Phetchaburi, and Ratchaprarop roads will be closed to all vehicles for specific periods to ensure public safety and ease congestion during the event.

The closures will take effect from Dec 31, 2025, through Jan 1, 2026. Exceptions apply for police vehicles on duty and vehicles authorised by traffic officers.

Affected sections include Pratunam–Ratchaprasong intersections (from noon on Dec 31 to 5am on Jan 1); Chalerm Phao–Ratchaprasong intersections (from 4pm on Dec 31 to 2am on Jan 1); Ratchaprasong–Chidlom intersections (from 4pm on Dec 31 to 2am on Jan 1); Makkasan–Pratunam intersections (from 4pm on Dec 31 to 2am on Jan 1); and Chidlom–Pratunam sections (from 4pm on Dec 31 to 2am on Jan 1).

The Royal Thai Police (RTP) said traffic police, highway police and relevant agencies are coordinating to deploy officers to manage traffic flows and ensure public safety during the New Year period from Dec 27 to Jan 2.

Alternative routes are being prepared, and temporary openings of special traffic lanes and toll‑free motorway sections arranged to ease congestion, with heavy traffic expected both within Bangkok and on routes to other provinces. Motorists are advised to check the roadworthiness of their vehicles and plan journeys in advance.