Department of Highways (Thailand)
| กรมทางหลวง Krom Thang Luang | |
 | |
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1 April 1912 |
| Jurisdiction | Government of Thailand |
| Headquarters | |
Parent agency | Ministry of Transport (Thailand) |
| Website | www |
The Department of Highways (DOH; Thai: กรมทางหลวง, RTGS: Krom Thang Luang) is an agency under the Ministry of Transport (Thailand). It is responsible for the construction, maintenance, and regulation of national highways, motorways, and concession highways throughout Thailand.
History
The Department of Highways traces its origins to the early 20th century as part of Thailand's modernization of land transport infrastructure.[1] Under the Reorganisation of Ministries, Government Agencies, and Departments Act B.E. 2545 (2002), the department operates as a key executing agency of the Ministry of Transport, distinct from the Department of Rural Roads, which oversees local transport corridors.[2]
Responsibilities
Under the Highway Act B.E. 2535 (1992), as amended by the Highway Act (No. 2) B.E. 2549 (2006), the Department of Highways manages several classifications of roads:[3][4]
- Special Highways / Motorways (Thai: ทางหลวงพิเศษ): High-capacity, limited-access intercity expressways (e.g., Motorway 7 and Motorway 9).
- National Highways (Thai: ทางหลวงแผ่นดิน): Primary regional trunk roads connecting provinces, regions, and international borders.
- Concession Highways (Thai: ทางหลวงสัมปทาน): High-capacity routes built or operated under private sector concessions, such as the Don Mueang Tollway.
Organization
The department operates under the direction of a Director-General and is structured into central administrative bureaus, regional maintenance offices, and highway districts covering the four primary regions of Thailand: Northern, Northeastern, Central/Eastern, and Southern.[5]
See also
References
- ↑ "About MOT: History". Ministry of Transport (Thailand). Retrieved 30 July 2026.
- ↑ "พระราชบัญญัติปรับปรุงกระทรวง ทรวง กรม พ.ศ. ๒๕๔๕ [Reorganisation of Ministries, Government Agencies, and Departments Act, B.E. 2545 (2002)]" (PDF). Royal Thai Government Gazette (in Thai). Vol. 119, no. 99 A. 8 October 2002. pp. 1–54.
- ↑ "พระราชบัญญัติทางหลวง พ.ศ. ๒๕๓๕ [Highway Act, B.E. 2535 (1992)]" (PDF). Royal Thai Government Gazette (in Thai). Vol. 109, no. 52 A. 7 April 1992. pp. 1–24.
- ↑ "พระราชบัญญัติทางหลวง (ฉบับที่ ๒) พ.ศ. ๒๕๔๙ [Highway Act (No. 2), B.E. 2549 (2006)]" (PDF). Royal Thai Government Gazette (in Thai). Vol. 123, no. 130 A. 20 December 2006. pp. 1–9.
- ↑ "กฎกระทรวงแบ่งส่วนราชการกรมทางหลวง กระทรวงคมนาคม พ.ศ. ๒๕๔๕ [Ministerial Regulation on the Organisation of the Department of Highways, Ministry of Transport, B.E. 2545 (2002)]" (PDF). Royal Thai Government Gazette (in Thai). Vol. 119, no. 103 A. 9 October 2002. pp. 61–68.