The roar of engines signalled the start of the 2025 MotoGP World Championship as the Chang International Circuit in Buriram province hosted the season's inaugural race, the PT Grand Prix of Thailand, which kicked off on Saturday morning. Karom Phonphonklang, deputy spokesman for the Prime Minister's Office, confirmed the event will run until Monday, marking the first of 22 races held worldwide this season.
Alongside the thrilling motorcycle-racing action, the event also features a vibrant One Tambon One Product (OTOP) fair behind the Chang Arena football stadium. This fair showcases and sells local artisanal products from across Thailand, providing valuable exposure and promoting Thai craftsmanship to the international audience attending the race.
Last year's event drew an impressive 205,343 spectators, which included 50,677 international visitors. It generated an estimated economic impact of 4.759 billion baht and supported approximately 6,939 jobs within the local economy. The government also collected no less than 300 million baht in tax revenue from the event. This year, event organisers anticipate attracting over 200,000 attendees, projecting a substantial economic boost of about 5 billion baht.
To prepare for this renowned event, Buriram Province collaborated with local volunteers to conduct what was called "Big Cleaning Day" at the King Rama I Monument, a prominent local landmark. Enhanced security measures involving police, military, local authorities, and volunteers have also been implemented to guarantee the safety and comfort of all visitors attending the race.
Local businesses, including shops, restaurants, and hotels, have been urged to uphold high hospitality standards and refraining from exploiting tourists. Strict penalties will be enforced for any breaches of these standards, ensuring attendees have the best possible experience during their stay.
Tickets for the race are available at Counter Service All Ticket outlets located within 7-Eleven stores nationwide as well as at All Ticket booths situated at Gates 1 and 2 of the circuit. For those attending only the concerts and activity areas, admission tickets can be purchased at the All Ticket booths for 100 baht per day or 200 baht for a three-day pass. This year's event marks Thailand's sixth time hosting MotoGP, and the nation has been awarded the esteemed honour of hosting the season opener for two consecutive years, 2025 and 2026. This clearly highlights Thailand's growing prominence as a leading motorsports hub within the Asian region.
With significant expectations set and preparations undertaken, the 2025 MotoGP season is off to an exhilarating start. The integration of local culture through events like the OTOP fair not only complements the racing action but enhances the economic benefits, showcasing the rich regional heritage and craftsmanship to the throngs of international visitors.
Expectations within the MotoGP community are high, and fans eagerly anticipate the thrilling races to follow across the globe throughout the season. With Buriram setting the bar, the rest of the venues will strive to maintain this momentum as they take turns to host the world’s top motorcycle racers.