Thailand's Infrastructure Overhaul: Highways TH 2026 Sets the Stage

BANGKOK, THAILAND – January 19, 2026 – As Thailand embarks on one of its most ambitious infrastructure investment cycles, a key event is poised to become the central hub for the nation's road and transport transformation. Highways TH 2026, a rebranded and expanded version of the former Roads & Traffic Expo Thailand, will convene at Bangkok's BITEC from January 28-29, serving as a critical platform for turning government strategy and massive investment into tangible progress on the ground.

Organized by Terrapinn, the event arrives as the Thai government prepares to inject hundreds of billions of baht into revitalizing its national connectivity. It aims to bridge the gap between public sector vision and private sector innovation, creating a forum where policymakers, engineers, and technology providers can collaborate on building the next generation of Thailand's transport networks.

A Nation on the Move: Billions Poured into Connectivity

Highways TH 2026 is set against the backdrop of a monumental national infrastructure agenda. The Thai government has outlined a significant pipeline of projects for 2025-2026, with the Ministry of Transport alone preparing 11 megaprojects worth over THB 359 billion for cabinet approval in 2026. These initiatives are not merely about laying asphalt; they represent a strategic effort to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and cement Thailand's position as a logistical powerhouse in Southeast Asia.

Key projects slated to move forward include major motorway developments like the Nakhon Pathom–Cha-am Motorway (M8) and the much-anticipated Phuket Expressway. In Bangkok, the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) is advancing projects like the Chalong Rat Expressway extension and the Rama III–Dao Khanong–Western Outer Ring Road Expressway, which are designed to alleviate chronic congestion. The investment extends beyond roads, with significant funds allocated to expanding major airports and advancing double-track railway lines to bolster the country's entire transport ecosystem.

This aggressive push for development underscores the government's commitment to modernizing infrastructure that the World Bank has noted has gaps, particularly outside the capital. The focus is on creating networks that are not only bigger but also smarter, safer, and more sustainable. "Highways TH 2026 arrives at a critical time for Thailand's infrastructure development," said Sophia Ku, Managing Director of Highways TH. "It brings together government and industry to turn investment into action, delivering smarter, safer, and more sustainable road and transport networks for the future."

Forging the Future Through Public-Private Synergy

The scale of Thailand's ambition necessitates deep collaboration between the public and private sectors. The conference program for Highways TH 2026 reflects this, featuring a formidable lineup of senior government officials who are shaping the country's infrastructure policy. The presence of these leaders signals a strong governmental commitment to leveraging private sector expertise and technology.

Ms. Ploylapas Singtothong, Ministerial Advisor to the Minister of Industry, will serve as the Guest of Honour, delivering a keynote address on a topic that links infrastructure directly to national industrial strategy: "Empowering Thailand as the Renewable Energy & EV Hub of Asia-Pacific." Her participation highlights the government's vision of integrating its "New S-Curve" industries, particularly electric vehicles, into its core infrastructure planning.

She will be joined by a slate of influential figures, including leaders from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), the Board of Investment (BOI), and the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT). These agencies represent the entire lifecycle of infrastructure development, from strategic planning and investment promotion to project execution and maintenance. Their collective presence provides a rare opportunity for industry stakeholders to gain direct insight into policy direction, project pipelines, and partnership opportunities.

The Technology of Tomorrow's Roads

While policy sets the direction, technology provides the means. The exhibition floor at Highways TH 2026 will be a showcase of the cutting-edge solutions that will define Thailand's future roads. Over 50 exhibitors, including international specialists, will present innovations aimed at enhancing safety, efficiency, and longevity.

Companies like RetroTek will demonstrate advanced systems for ensuring road markings are highly visible, a critical factor for the safe operation of both human drivers and the Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) found in modern vehicles. Its vehicle-mounted sensors can assess the retroreflectivity of lane markings at traffic speed, providing crucial data for maintenance and safety programs. This technology is foundational for preparing highways for a future of autonomous vehicles.

Meanwhile, Dynatest will showcase pavement testing equipment essential for building durable roads and optimizing maintenance budgets. Their solutions help engineers evaluate the structural integrity of road surfaces, ensuring that new motorways can withstand heavy traffic loads for decades. For managing freight and protecting this new infrastructure, Intercomp will present its portable Weigh-in-Motion systems, which allow for efficient enforcement of vehicle weight limits, preventing premature road damage and enhancing safety.

These technologies represent a shift from traditional construction to a data-driven approach to asset management, promising a future of smoother commutes, fewer accidents, and more resilient infrastructure for Thai citizens.

An Integrated Vision: Connecting Roads, Energy, and Mobility

Perhaps the most significant aspect of this year's event is its holistic approach. Highways TH 2026 is co-located with three other specialized exhibitions: EVCharge Live Thailand, Mobility Live Thailand, and Solar & Storage Live Thailand. This strategic integration, facilitated by a single complimentary pass, transforms the event from a simple road show into a comprehensive ecosystem for the future of transport and energy.

This synergy directly supports the national goal of becoming an EV hub. A modern highway network is the physical platform, but it must be supported by a robust EV charging infrastructure (the focus of EVCharge Live) and powered by a clean, resilient energy grid (the theme of Solar & Storage Live). Mobility Live will explore how this integrated infrastructure can enable next-generation services, from autonomous vehicles to smart public transport systems.

The interconnectedness is woven into the conference agenda. While one hall focuses on highway expansion, another will feature sessions on smart grid charging and the development of infrastructure for autonomous vehicles in Thailand. This allows attendees—from city planners to energy investors and transport operators—to see the bigger picture and foster the cross-sector partnerships necessary to build a truly smart and sustainable national ecosystem. The event is not just about building roads; it's about paving the way for a connected, green, and economically vibrant Thailand.