BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand has confirmed that the world’s premier motorcycle championship, MotoGP, will remain at the Chang International Circuit in Buri Ram until 2031. The new deal, extending the event’s contract from 2027 through 2031, strengthens the country’s reputation as a leading destination for international sports tourism.
New contract brings confidence and growth
The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) announced that it had reached an agreement with Dorna Sports, the global MotoGP rights holder. Kongsak Yodmani, the SAT governor, said the proposal would be presented to the Cabinet on 4 November for final approval. He confirmed that while the hosting fee had risen slightly, Thailand’s rate remained competitive compared to other international venues.
During the past six years, the MotoGP round in Thailand generated an estimated 24 billion baht (approximately €600 million) in combined economic value. That figure includes contributions from tourism, employment, infrastructure investment, and revitalised local business activity — underscoring the race’s broader national impact.
Buri Ram race becomes symbol of soft power
Thailand’s race has developed a distinctive identity within the MotoGP calendar. According to Kongsak, major factors include the strength of the ThaiGP brand, exceptional event management, and the intense enthusiasm of local fans. The Chang Circuit even hosted two consecutive season openings — a highly prized position that showcases Thailand’s organisational reliability and global visibility.
The venue’s combination of top-tier safety standards and professional coordination, together with the renowned Thai hospitality, has left a lasting impression on both teams and spectators. Officials describe MotoGP Thailand as more than a motorsport event: it serves as a soft-power tool for promoting Thailand’s image globally and advertising its capacity to host world-class events.
Next steps after Cabinet approval
Once official approval is granted, the SAT intends to strengthen cooperation with private-sector partners. Plans include a joint hosting model and expanding the event’s scale to meet evolving international demands. The upcoming phase is expected to focus on enhancing branding and aligning the Thai Grand Prix more closely with global motorsport trends.
For Thai motorsport fans, the decision ensures continuity of a beloved annual highlight. For the nation, it offers long-term strategic benefits — from sustained economic momentum to an elevated profile in the global sports industry. As Kongsak emphasised,
“THAILAND’S STRATEGY IS TO REMAIN A KEY PLAYER IN INTERNATIONAL SPORT AND TOURISM.”
• The MotoGP contract now runs through 2031
• Economic impact exceeded 24 billion baht since launch
• Cabinet approval scheduled for 4 November
• Focus on joint public-private hosting model moving forward
The Thai Grand Prix, first staged in Buri Ram in 2018, has become one of the most celebrated events on the international calendar. Its renewed contract guarantees that the roar of MotoGP bikes will continue to echo across northeastern Thailand for years to come.