Thailand to Open the 2026 MotoGP World Championship at Buri Ram

Thailand

Season opener at Chang International Circuit underscores Thailand’s role as a leading global sports tourism destination

Thailand will host the opening round of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship from 27 February to 1 March at Chang International Circuit. The confirmation, announced in Bangkok, marks the second consecutive year that the Kingdom has been selected as the season opener, reinforcing Thailand’s reputation for delivering world-class international sporting events.

PT Grand Prix of Thailand 2026 confirmed

The PT Grand Prix of Thailand 2026 will take place in Buri Ram under the leadership of the Sports Authority of Thailand and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in cooperation with public and private partners. These include the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Department of Land Transport and the Road Safety Fund, alongside key stakeholders from the motorsport, energy, mobility and hospitality sectors.

Now entering its seventh year as a MotoGP host nation, Thailand has established the event as a central pillar of its sports tourism strategy. The extended hosting agreement through 2031 allows for long-term planning, consistent delivery standards and sustained international visibility, while generating measurable economic benefits for Buri Ram and surrounding provinces.

MotoGP as a driver of high-value tourism

“MotoGP represents far more than a single sporting fixture for the country,” said Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. “The championship is a global event that attracts high-quality visitors, particularly motorsport enthusiasts who travel in groups, stay longer and continue their journeys to other parts of Thailand. This travel pattern helps generate tangible income for local communities while broadcasting a positive image of Thailand to audiences in more than 200 countries worldwide.”

Racing, culture and fan experiences combined

The race weekend in Buri Ram will feature all three premier classes—MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3—alongside an extensive programme of fan and family activities. Planned highlights include rider meet-and-greet sessions, live entertainment at Chang Music Connection, interactive spectator zones and curated cultural experiences that showcase Thai heritage and regional identity. Together, these elements position the event as a large-scale international motorsport festival rather than a standalone race.

“5 Must Do in Thailand” enhances the visitor journey

The Tourism Authority of Thailand will integrate the event into its “5 Must Do in Thailand” framework. This includes Must Taste, featuring Thai cuisine and local Buri Ram dishes; Must Try, combining sports and cultural activities with elite competition; Must Buy, highlighting local handicrafts and Thai souvenirs; Must Seek, offering new perspectives through sports tourism and community lifestyles; and Must See, showcasing attractions, Thai culture and the distinctive MotoGP atmosphere.

Strong economic and global impact expected

The PT Grand Prix of Thailand 2026 is expected to attract more than 220,000 spectators and generate at least five billion baht in tourism-related revenue. With live broadcasts reaching audiences in over 200 countries, the event continues to strengthen Thailand’s position as a trusted and distinctive host of world-class international sports events and a leading destination for global motorsport tourism.