The Prime Minister demonstrated riding a race bike alongside Newin at the grand opening of the 2026 MotoGP event. Orchestra The "Sa Kraw Buriram" orchestra performed the Thai national anthem to thunderous applause, noting it was the liveliest event in seven years with economic activity exceeding 5 billion baht, enhancing Thailand's global reputation.
On 1 March 2026 at 11:35 a.m., Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who is also Minister of Interior, accompanied by Miss Thanon Niramit, Chairwoman of the Ministerial Spouses Committee and honorary advisor to the Interior Ministry's Housewives Association, and others, arrived at Buriram International Circuit in Mueang District, Buriram Province. They visited the Yamaha booth, warmly welcomed by Yamaha executives who guided the tour. The Prime Minister briefly tried sitting on a race bike before moving on to visit the adjacent HOT booth, where Thai motorcycle racer Somkiat Chantra of the LCR HONDA team was present.motorcycleNext, they visited the Ducati booth.PTand Chang. Afterwards, the Prime Minister and his delegation took a golf cart to the VIP lounge. At 12:50 p.m., the Prime Minister and his group proceeded to have lunch at the restaurant, joined by Newin Chidchob, Chairman of Buriram United Football Club.
At 2:45 p.m., the Prime Minister left the VIP lounge to preside over the opening ceremony of the 2026 Motorcycle World Championship, the "PT Grand Prix Thailand 2026," held at Chang International Circuit, Mueang District, Buriram Province.for the year2026. Newin stood beside him during the ceremony, which featured a traditional Nang Yai shadow puppet performance and the Sa Kraw Symphony Orchestra playing the Thai national anthem. Following the opening, the Prime Minister and his wife returned to the stands to watch the MotoGP race. At 4:00 p.m., the Prime Minister presided over the awards ceremony for the winners.
Prime Minister Anutin also posted on his personal Facebook: "Attending the 7th MotoGP motorcycle race at Buriram this year, there is especially high interest from spectators. It is estimated that the economic value generated over this weekend will exceed 5 billion baht, along with a significant increase in tourists spreading to nearby provinces."
Later at 3:25 p.m., Prime Minister Anutin was interviewed about the 2026 MotoGP event, saying this year is likely to break records because many competitors from around the world have participated, and ticket sales were rapid with all seats sold out. Numerous booths showcased motorcycle manufacturers' products, indicating great vibrancy. It is estimated that over the 3 to 4 days of competition, the economic impact will be no less than 5 billion baht.break recordscompared to previous years, due to the large number of participants and visitors, rapid ticket sales, and active product exhibitions, contributing to a lively atmosphere and an estimated economic impact of at least 5 billion baht over the event days.
When asked how the government plans to build on this, Anutin said the event has been held for seven years, organized by the government through the Sports Authority of Thailand, not privately as some reports suggested. The investment is modest, but the returns include tourism benefits and increasing Thailand’s global recognition, with worldwide broadcasts garnering millions of views. The event also generates economic opportunities for vendors, hotels, restaurants, transportation, and more, benefiting not only Buriram but also neighboring provinces as visitors often travel to nearby areas such as Saraburi, Korat, Surin, and Sisaket.
When askedabout this year’sresponse from foreigners, Anutin said the foreigners he met felt fortunate that the event was held before potential disruptions in the Middle East. Many global events in Europe have been canceled or postponed, so Thailand was lucky to host on schedule, allowing international tourists and attendees to arrive safely. The government must provide support as flights back to their countries are scarce, and local hotels are fully booked.organized ahead of timewhich allowed international tourists, manufacturers, racers, organizers, and spectators to arrive in Thailand before disruptions. The government is working to assist them, as flights home are limited and local accommodations are fully booked.