The Minister of Sports kicked off "Buriram Marathon 2027," announcing a strategy to use sports events as a spearhead to drive grassroots economic development in the community.
On 21 July 2026 at The Stories Square, G Floor, One Bangkok shopping center, Mr. Surasak Pancharoenworakun, Minister of Tourism and Sports, presided over the press conference for the world-standard running event "Buriram Marathon 2027." The event was attended by prominent figures in sports and city management, including Mr. Newin Chidchob, Chairman of Chang International Circuit; Mr. Chotichon Chidchob, Race Director; Police General Chakthip Chaijinda, President of the Athletic Association of Thailand; and Mr. Piya Pichan, Governor of Buriram Province.
Mr. Surasak revealed that Buriram Marathon, certified by World Athletics, is proudly entering its second decade. Over the past 10 years, it has clearly demonstrated that sports can sustainably generate economic value for the region. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has set three strategic directions aligned with the event’s success: First, turning “mass participation” into “economic power.” Over the past decade, the event has generated more than 5.2 billion baht in economic circulation by attracting runners and tourists from both Thailand and abroad.
Second, elevating the economy of secondary cities by using these locations as strategic points to distribute income evenly to grassroots economies, with Buriram as a model for sports-driven urban development and community participation. A key strength is that the entire Buriram province comes together as hosts, transforming the race into a festival of happiness.
“I believe no other province in Thailand has had the entire population so involved in hosting a major sports event as the people of Buriram,” said Mr. Surasak. “In this second decade, Buriram Marathon will be a key platform to attract sports tourists and serve as a model for sports-based urban development for other provinces, helping Thailand advance to become the Sports Tourism destination of Asia,” the Minister of Tourism and Sports added.
Beyond sports and economic aspects, the press conference also included a ceremony to grant financial support to the Athletic Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage. Additionally, proceeds from the sale of Charity Bibs at Buriram Marathon 2026 were donated to Buriram Hospital to assist patients and support medical development.