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New Toll Booths at Don Muang Tollway: A Modern Architectural Approach

The architecture of transportation infrastructure in Thailand represents a blend of art and science, embodying functionality, stability, aesthetic appeal, and environmental harmony. Toll booths, as part of the urban transportation system, play a crucial role in facilitating smooth traffic flow in the city, and their design has evolved over time to reflect both practicality and aesthetics.

In the past, toll booths were often simple concrete structures designed for rapid construction and use. However, if you have recently used the Don Muang Tollway, you would have noticed the newly designed toll booths at Don Muang (inbound) and Din Daeng (outbound), which offer a welcoming entry to the tollway. These booths reflect a more contemporary approach to architectural design, emphasizing not only functionality but also a modern and elegant aesthetic that fits the environment.

Mr. Tarnin Phanichewa, the Managing Director of Don Muang Tollway Public Company Limited, shared the company’s vision: "Our vision is to become an Intelligent Organization, reflected through the Mr. Tollway initiative, which demonstrates the company's readiness to be a leading toll road operator, connecting outer road networks to the heart of Bangkok. We aim to offer excellent services that are convenient, fast, and safe, while maintaining efficient management systems and being responsible to the public. We begin with the welcoming toll booths, and we will continue to improve other areas of our services, progressing toward joining the ASEAN Economic Community."

The Don Muang Tollway's intelligent organization initiative starts at the toll booths, which are considered the gateway to the tollway. These toll booths are designed to leave a lasting impression on users, providing a seamless experience in terms of convenience, speed, and safety. Additionally, the toll booths are designed to address environmental factors such as air quality and temperature, which are prevalent in urban areas. The roof is curved with circular holes that help ventilate exhaust fumes from vehicles, improving air circulation and reducing pollution in the toll plaza area. The booths are also illuminated at night to enhance safety for drivers and staff.

The golden aluminum panels on both sides of the roof not only provide visibility from various parts of Bangkok but also symbolize the city's contemporary architecture, referencing gold-tipped monuments like the Democracy Monument and Chao Phraya River Bridge.

These new toll booths exemplify a shift toward modern and functional public architecture, serving as a model for future developments in transportation infrastructure, while also supporting Thailand’s readiness to integrate into the ASEAN Economic Community in the near future.