Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

Amid a high-profile land dispute involving the Khao Kradong area, officials in Buriram have issued a firm statement affirming that the Chang International Circuit and Chang Arena will continue to operate as usual throughout the season. The announcement came in response to a government declaration concerning the revocation of land rights in the area.

 

A joint press conference was held by representatives of the Chang International Circuit, local business operators and legal entities with land documents in Khao Kradong, following recent remarks by the Minister and Deputy Minister of the Interior. These officials had announced the cancellation of land ownership documents covering over 5,083 rai, affecting 995 holders.

 

Mr. Tanaisiri Chanvitayarom, Managing Director of the Chang International Circuit, stated, “This is not just a racetrack. It is the heart of Thailand’s motorsport industry. It’s deeply interconnected with tourism, hospitality, and tens of thousands of jobs. The track has proven its economic value, contributing over 5 billion baht to the national economy annually.”

 

He warned that if uncertainty over land rights persists, it could force the relocation of world-class racing events such as MotoGP, Asia Road Racing, GT World Asia and Asian Le Mans to other countries. He also emphasised the heavy financial penalties the government could face from rights holders if events are cancelled.

 

Domestic championships like BRIC Superbike, a vital platform for developing young Thai talent into world-class racers, also stand at risk. “If political interference continues to override fairness, we may see the collapse of the entire motorsport system in Thailand,” Mr. Tanaisiri said.

 

Crucially, he clarified that the land occupied by the current circuit was purchased legally in 2013 with full authorisation from the Land Department, which issued the title deeds lawfully. The current crisis stems from a longstanding dispute between the Land Department and the State Railway of Thailand, which has now put residents and private owners in an unjustly vulnerable position.

 

“This is not merely a matter of a racetrack; it is a storm battering the entire Thai sports industry. If politics continues to silence the voice of justice, the future of motorsport in Thailand could be irreparably damaged,” Mr. Tanaisiri concluded.

 

Despite the controversy, Buriram United Football Club confirmed that it will not be relocating its home matches and will continue to play at Chang Arena for the entire season.

 

Related article:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1368913-dsi-investigates-land-dispute-in-buriram/

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-08-08

 

 

 

 

2 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

If politics continues to silence the voice of justice

Exactly whose version of 'justice' is this referring to?

Based on the articles it's as clear as mud.

From the OP:  These officials had announced the cancellation of land ownership documents covering over 5,083 rai, affecting 995 holders.

 

Frustrating as it must be for the Buriram track, imagine the other 994 "holders" who may have built homes and businesses on property they owned, but not really.  Or at least, not any more.

 

Another case for renting in LOS...  I wonder if compensation will be paid.