Nong Khai and Udon Thani are ready to welcome cyclists competing in the two-wheel "Tour of Thailand" race.
Nong Khai and Udon Thani are prepared to welcome cyclists from around the world to compete in the international long-distance cycling race "Tour of Thailand 2026," held from 24 March to 2 April 2026. Deputy Governor Paitoon Mahachuenjai of Nong Khai and Deputy Governor Natthaphon Withee of Udon Thani expressed their delight, seeing this as a great opportunity to publicize the provinces and promote tourism. They noted that key tourist attractions will be broadcast worldwide via Facebook Live and ThaiPBS YouTube channels of the Thai PBS television station.
General Decha Hemakasri, Deputy Chairman of the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC), President of the ASEAN Cycling Federation (ACF), and President of the Cycling Association of Thailand under the Royal Patronage, together with Deputy Governors Paitoon Mahachuenjai of Nong Khai and Natthaphon Withee of Udon Thani, co-chaired a preparatory meeting for the international long-distance cycling competition "Tour of Thailand 2026." The event, competing for the Royal Trophy of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, is scheduled from 24 March to 2 April 2026, covering routes in Nong Khai and Udon Thani provinces, totaling 1,113.70 kilometers. Representatives from government agencies and local administrative organizations attended the meeting at the Pathumthewaphiban Conference Room, Udon Thani Provincial Hall, on 24 February.
Deputy Governor Paitoon Mahachuenjai of Nong Khai expressed gratitude during the meeting to General Decha Hemakasri, President of the Cycling Association of Thailand, for selecting Nong Khai and Udon Thani as the venues for the "Tour of Thailand 2026." He said it is a great honor for the people of both provinces to welcome athletes from various countries. It is also an excellent opportunity to promote Nong Khai and Udon Thani’s tourist attractions to the world, effectively opening the cities and publicizing the provinces. Nong Khai Governor Saransak Srikruenat has ordered all relevant agencies and sectors to prepare fully and provide complete support.
Deputy Governor Paitoon added that the race route passes through all nine districts of Nong Khai. The province will coordinate with village chiefs, subdistrict administrative organizations, and schools to mobilize local people and students to welcome the cyclists along the entire route. The race also promotes key tourist sites, such as the two Naga statues at Wat Lamduan and in Phon Phisai District, Wat Phu Tak Suea, and Wat Phra That Bang Phuan. The route runs along over 200 kilometers of Mekong Riverside Road, which offers beautiful scenery.
General Decha said the international long-distance cycling competition "Tour of Thailand 2026" is held to honor the auspicious occasion of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s 71st birthday on 2 April 2026. Her Royal Highness graciously bestowed the perpetual championship trophy to the Cycling Association of Thailand, to be awarded to the winners since 1999. This year, there has been strong interest from many teams, including professional and national teams, with 20 men's teams and 20 women's teams participating. The benefits include promoting Nong Khai and Udon Thani provinces to international tourists through live broadcasts on Facebook Live and ThaiPBS YouTube.
General Decha added that at each stage of the competition, the opening ceremony chairperson will offer royal blessings. There will also be a royal tribute signing booth for the public to express their loyalty to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn before the daily race start. After the event, the Cycling Association of Thailand will present the list of well-wishers to the royal household. Meanwhile, residents along the route are invited to honor the athletes each day by wearing purple shirts and waving Thai national flags and the royal cypher flag "สธ." to create a festive atmosphere and encourage the cyclists. The association will distribute flags in advance daily via promotional vehicles.
Deputy Governor Natthaphon Withee of Udon Thani said the people of Udon Thani are pleased to co-host the international long-distance cycling competition "Tour of Thailand 2026" men's team stage 3 on 26 March. The route will pass through Ban Phue, Nong Wua So, and Nong Saeng districts, finishing at Phu Phoi Lom, a World Heritage site known for its natural and spiritual significance. The people of Udon Thani will warmly welcome the cyclists along the route. The finish point at Phu Phoi Lom, once a famous tourist spot but now somewhat quiet, offers a good opportunity to revive its popularity among Thais and showcase it to the world. He invited the people of Udon Thani to be gracious hosts and welcome the cyclists competing in their province.
The international long-distance cycling competition "Tour of Thailand 2026" is scheduled from 24 March to 2 April 2026, covering a total distance of 1,113.70 kilometers. The men's team category will compete in six stages from 24 to 29 March, covering routes in Nong Khai and Udon Thani provinces totaling 816.60 kilometers. The women's team category will compete in three stages from 30 March to 2 April, with routes in Nong Khai province totaling 297.10 kilometers.