The construction of the road was finished in 1950 and was named "Phet Kasem" on December 10, 1950 in honour Luang Phet Kasemwithisawasdi (Tham Phetkasem), formerly the seventh director deputy general of the State Highways Department.

The road was named under the policy of the government of Major General Por Phibunsongkhram who named the road after the chief engineer who supervised the construction and gave the instructions.

Starts at Naowa Chamnian bridge, Bangkok Yai district and goes through the following districts of Bangkok : Phasi Charoen, Bang Khae and Nong Khaem.

The provinces along the road are Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Ranong, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang, Phatthalung and Songkhla.

It is linked to the North–South Expressway (NSE) of Malaysia at the Sadao-Bukit Kayu Hitam border.