Governors of Nong Khai and Udon Thani are ready to welcome international cyclists competing in the Tour of Thailand.
Mr. Saransak Srikruanetr, Governor of Nong Khai, welcomed international cyclists from around the world to participate in the "Tour of Thailand 2026" international road cycling race, confident it will boost the economy and promote tourism effectively. Meanwhile, Mr. Rachan Chunhua, Governor of Udon Thani, stated this is a great opportunity to showcase "Phu Phloi Lom," a once-famous tourist attraction, to the global audience through live broadcasts on ThaiPBS's Facebook Live and YouTube throughout the competition. A press conference to prepare for the event will be held on 19 March 2026 at 14:00 at the Golden Tulip Sovereign Rama 9 Hotel.
General Decha Hemakrasri, Deputy Chairman of the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC), President of the ASEAN Cycling Federation (ACF), and President of the Cycling Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, revealed that the Cycling Association of Thailand, together with Nong Khai and Udon Thani provinces, will host the international road cycling race "Tour of Thailand 2026," competing for the royal trophy bestowed by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The event is scheduled from 24 March to 2 April 2026, covering routes in Nong Khai and Udon Thani provinces, totaling 1,113.70 kilometers.
General Decha said the Tour of Thailand 2026 is held to honor the birthday of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who will turn 71 on 2 April 2026. Her Royal Highness graciously granted a permanent trophy to the Cycling Association of Thailand to award the winner since 1999. Each race stage's opening ceremony will include a royal blessing speech by the presiding official and a commemorative signing booth for the public to express loyalty and well-wishes to Her Royal Highness. After the competition, the association will submit the list of well-wishers to the royal court.
General Decha added that this year’s event has attracted many teams, including professional and national teams—20 men's teams and 20 women's teams. This is an excellent opportunity to promote Nong Khai and Udon Thani provinces to international tourists, with global exposure via live broadcasts on ThaiPBS’s Facebook Live and YouTube throughout the event. He also invited residents along the race route to welcome the athletes by wearing purple shirts and waving the Thai national flag and the royal monogram flag "สธ." to create a lively atmosphere and encourage the cyclists. The association will distribute flags daily in advance through promotional vehicles.
General Decha also said the Cycling Association of Thailand will hold a press conference for the Tour of Thailand 2026 on Thursday, 19 March at 14:00 in the Bunga Room at the Golden Tulip Sovereign Hotel on Rama 9 Road. Governors of Nong Khai and Udon Thani, relevant agencies, and sponsors will attend to confirm readiness for the event.
Mr. Saransak Srikruanetr, Governor of Nong Khai, expressed gratitude to the Cycling Association of Thailand for honoring Nong Khai to co-host the international road cycling race Tour of Thailand 2026. On Tuesday, 17 March, the province held a preparedness meeting involving 103 government units, local administrative organizations, and rescue volunteers to plan and ensure smooth operation during the event. Nong Khai is pleased to welcome athletes from various countries and sees this as a great chance to promote the province and neighboring Udon Thani to the world, effectively opening the city and enhancing its profile.
Governor Saransak said Nong Khai coordinated with subdistrict chiefs, village heads, local administrative leaders, and schools across the 9 districts along the race route to mobilize communities and students to welcome the cyclists. The event also promotes key tourist sites such as the two Naga statues at Wat Lamduan and Phon Phisai District—starting points for several stages—as well as Wat Phu Tak Suea and Wat Phra That Bang Phuan. The route runs along over 200 kilometers of Mekong riverside road with beautiful scenery. The arrival of many foreign athletes and event officials will generate spending and visits to local attractions, stimulating tourism and invigorating Nong Khai’s economy.
Meanwhile, Mr. Rachan Chunhua, Governor of Udon Thani, said on behalf of the people of Udon Thani that they are delighted to co-host the men’s stage 3 of the Tour of Thailand 2026 on 26 March. The route will pass through Ban Phue, Nong Wua So, and Nong Saeng districts, finishing at Phu Phloi Lom—a once-famous tourist spot that has since declined. This natural route is scenic and offers a prime opportunity to promote Phu Phloi Lom to regain popularity and recognition among Thai people and the global audience. Along the race route in Udon Thani, locals will welcome and encourage the athletes.
The Tour of Thailand 2026 international road cycling race is set for 24 March to 2 April 2026, covering a total distance of 1,113.70 kilometers. The men’s category will race 6 stages from 24 to 29 March, covering Nong Khai and Udon Thani provinces with a total distance of 816.60 kilometers. The women’s category will race 3 stages from 30 March to 2 April, taking place in Nong Khai province, covering a total of 297.10 kilometers.