Piyapong Jiwathanakul, newly appointed Deputy Transport Secretary (effective 1 October 2026), is accelerating completion of motorway projects M6 (Bang Pa-in to Nakhon Ratchasima, 196 km) and M82 (Ekachai to Ban Paew) during his final two months as Highway Department Director. M6 opens weekend-only on 21 August 2026; M82 opens 28 August with free passage for approximately 2 years. Concurrently, the department is advancing PPP projects for 21 rest areas across M6 and M81.