Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

 

The Cabinet has approved a 3.99 billion baht budget to host the MotoGP World Motorcycle Championship for another five years, covering 2027 to 2031. The decision, announced on 4 November 2025, comes amid opposition claims that the renewal was rushed and primarily benefits political allies connected to the Buriram-based circuit.

 

Proposed by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the plan authorises Thailand to secure a new contract for the global racing series, with the total cost capped at 3,997.86 million baht and subject to exchange rate adjustments. Deputy Government Spokesperson Ayrin Phanthurit said the project is projected to generate up to 24.9 billion baht in economic value, citing strong impacts on tourism, hotels, restaurants and transportation.

 

Data from previous MotoGP events between 2018 and 2025 showed that each race in Buriram drew an average of 206,000 spectators, including both domestic and international visitors. The 2025 event at Chang International Circuit, held on 1 March, was among Thailand’s most attended sports spectacles. Ayrin added that MotoGP is broadcast to nearly 800 million viewers across 207 countries, helping to promote Thailand’s global sports profile and reputation as a leading tourism destination.

 

However, the move has drawn criticism from the opposition Pheu Thai Party. Spokesperson Suksit Srijomkhwan questioned the timing and transparency of the Cabinet’s approval, arguing that the decision was made hastily and favoured vested interests. He said event costs continue to increase while private sponsorships have declined, placing greater pressure on state budgets.

 

Suksit also compared the initiative to Pheu Thai’s earlier discussions to bring Formula 1 (F1) to Thailand, noting that F1 commands a larger audience and greater commercial potential. Both MotoGP and F1 are owned by Liberty Media, but the opposition spokesperson alleged the current administration was focused on MotoGP due to its ties with the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, linked to Newin Chidchob, an influential figure in the ruling Bhumjaithai Party.

 

The Buriram circuit remains embroiled in a long-running land dispute with the State Railway of Thailand over the Khao Kradong area, where it was constructed. Despite the controversy, government officials maintain the MotoGP contract will continue to drive tourism and international exposure.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• The Cabinet approved a 3.99 billion baht budget to host MotoGP from 2027–2031, expecting a 24.9 billion baht economic boost.

• Opposition leaders criticised the deal as rushed and politically motivated, citing falling sponsorship and rising costs.

• The Chang International Circuit, central to the event, remains linked to political figures and ongoing land disputes.

 

Original Story 

 

Thailand-secures-motogp-hosting-rights-through-2031/

 

 

  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Khaosod 2025-11-05

 

 

 

 

Should this not be private sponsorship.

 

 

Surprising that there are so many tourists willing to fly to Buriram to see an elite sport. I understand that Europeans might, but the typical tourists to Thailand, like Chinese and Indians, may prefer the beach.

I like to watch F1 on television as the cameras cover every corner of the track, but flying to Buriram to see the cars zooming past for 3 seconds at a time is asking too much.

I used to live about 5 kms from Albert Park Lake where the Australian GP is held every year. Personally it didn't do anything for me and the noise was horrendous.

On 11/5/2025 at 5:12 AM, Georgealbert said:

primarily benefits political allies connected to the Buriram-based circuit.

 

 

I wonder how many brown envelopes were given by the Buriram Provincial Governor Thatchakorn Hatthathayakul to keep the MotoGP in Buriram?

 

Do I smell corruption?

On 11/6/2025 at 1:47 PM, Purdey said:

I like to watch F1 on television as the cameras cover every corner of the track, but flying to Buriram to see the cars zooming past for 3 seconds at a time is asking too much.

Buriram is an exceptional track for spectators, get a grandstand ticket and you can see 95% of the track, even the side stands will allow you to see around 60% of it. They also have large screens so that you can always have a close up view.

 

Plenty of Australians come over for the MotoGP, I also stayed in a hotel in Surin one year that had three coach parties of Germans that had come over to watch it.

I plan on going next year.

There are a huge number of local small businesses and traders along with hotel and resort owners, that really benefit from the few days of MotoGP. Buriram and the nearby areas are not frequented by tourists. To have that short time when the place is popular and people come there from all over the world is absolutely tremendous for the local area. 

So people who don't live there might say things like: "It primarily benefits political allies connected to the Buriram-based circuit" think again. It really is a huge benefit to many, many people who actually live there. 

On 11/6/2025 at 1:47 PM, Purdey said:

Surprising that there are so many tourists willing to fly to Buriram to see an elite sport. I understand that Europeans might, but the typical tourists to Thailand, like Chinese and Indians, may prefer the beach.

I like to watch F1 on television as the cameras cover every corner of the track, but flying to Buriram to see the cars zooming past for 3 seconds at a time is asking too much.

It's not cars, and it's not an elite sport! Get your facts right. Thousands (if not, millions) of MotoGP fans around the world follow this sport.

On 11/5/2025 at 5:12 AM, Georgealbert said:

The decision, announced on 4 November 2025, comes amid opposition claims that the renewal was rushed and primarily benefits political allies connected to the Buriram-based circuit.

For sure