Thailand's MotoGP Future in Limbo Amidst Government Review

[snoop1130]

Photo by Kittinun Rodsupan via AP

 

The future of Thailand's MotoGP event is uncertain as Newin Chidchob, chairman of the Chang International Circuit, announced on Facebook that the government has decided not to extend the race contract beyond 2026. Newin expressed his disappointment, highlighting that MotoGP has been a significant contributor to the country's tourism and economy, generating over 5 billion baht during its latest three-day event.

 

For seven consecutive years, Thailand has hosted this globally watched competition, with Newin offering the circuit free of charge despite incurring losses. However, the race's continuation hinges on government support, which is currently under consideration.

 

In response to the announcement, Thai netizens voiced their dissatisfaction, with some speculating that the government may shift focus to hosting a Formula 1 event. The speculation extends to potential political motives, given Newin's ties to the Bhumjaithai Party and the supposed lack of alignment with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s Pheu Thai Party.

 

 

Yet, Prime Minister Paetongtarn denied any political interference, pledging that decisions would be based solely on the nation's best interests. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is now tasked with reviewing the financial implications before presenting them to the Cabinet. Echoing these sentiments, the Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, Kongsak Yodmanee, assured that all relevant factors would be thoroughly assessed before a final decision is reached.

 

As the debate ensues, fans and stakeholders anxiously await the government's final verdict, which could determine whether Thailand remains on the MotoGP map or pivots towards potentially securing an F1 race, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-03-03

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

3 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

Yet, Prime Minister Paetongtarn denied any political interference, pledging that decisions would be based solely on the nation's best interests.

 

And the lies just cascade from the PM's mouth.

I am sure that this is just a 'do as you are told or we will penalise you financially'

[ronster]

She said it will be decided if it is viable financially to have it , nothing to do with Newin being the opposition then 😀

Will save her thinking about it as the government invests 500 million bht of which 300 is given by public people so government only pays 200 million bht. Plus the track is given free to use and costs them 10 million to set up parts of it .

The amount of money it generated was just over 5 billion bht, so yeah it's not financially viable is it 🙄🙈

[Caldera]

It would be an amazing act of stupidity if they manage to lose the Moto GP without actually securing F1 first.

 

Personally, I think they should aim to host BOTH.

[sammieuk1]

Suppose the logic is' there is already super fast racing on every Soi in the land 🤔

[harryviking]

15 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

 

And the lies just cascade from the PM's mouth.

I am sure that this is just a 'do as you are told or we will penalise you financially'

The PM just echoes papa Thaksin .......😫

[mania]

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Newin expressed his disappointment, highlighting that MotoGP has been a significant contributor to the country's tourism and economy

 

Newin Chidchob has gotten rich beyond the beyond on all the handouts that has allowed him to get this far. He can dang well host MotoGP on his own & still reap the rewards maybe just a billion or so less each year. Look at what he makes on tickets alone + he has his finger in so many other things there. He can easily go round & get the hotels, restaurants etc to chip in if he really thinks he is skint.

 

This is just a BS way of crying poverty & loss & using govt $$$ to enrich himself

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, Caldera said:

It would be an amazing act of stupidity if they manage to lose the Moto GP without actually securing F1 first.

 

Personally, I think they should aim to host BOTH.

They will ditch the Moto GP then fail to get the F1... go Thailand.

[Caldera]

50 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

They will ditch the Moto GP then fail to get the F1... go Thailand.

 

Yeah based on track record, that seems like the most likely outcome.