Nong Khai and Udon Thani provinces are fully prepared to host the international long-distance cycling race “Tour of Thailand,” confident it will stimulate the economy and promote tourism in the region through this major event.
Nong Khai and Udon Thani confirmed their readiness to host the international long-distance cycling event “Tour of Thailand 2026,” scheduled from 24 March to 2 April 2026. “Sergeant Major Muek” revealed that teams from various countries will compete, with 20 men’s teams and 20 women’s teams participating. The event will enhance Thailand’s reputation and boost the economy and tourism in the two provinces. Tourist attractions will be showcased globally through live broadcasts on Facebook Live and YouTube by ThaiPBS.
General Decha Hemkrasri, Vice President of the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC), President of the ASEAN Cycling Federation (ACF), and President of the Cycling Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, chaired the press conference for the international long-distance cycling race “Tour of Thailand 2026,” competing for the royal trophy of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The race is set from 24 March to 2 April 2026 in Nong Khai and Udon Thani provinces, covering a total distance of 1,113.70 kilometers. The event was held at the Golden Tulip Sovereign Hotel in Bangkok on 19 March, with Deputy Governors Jamlak Kunphet of Nong Khai and Jakraphan Chantraphum of Udon Thani attending.
Also present were General Permsak Puangsaroj and Mr. Pimol Sattabus, Honorary Vice Chairmen of the Cycling Association, Colonel Sunthorn Samritsuthi, Advisor to the Cycling Association, Mr. Thongchai Pornset, Vice President of the Cycling Association, Mr. Preecha Lalun, Deputy Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand for Elite Sports and Sports Science, Mr. Natthavee Sitthivorakul, Director of Domestic Public Relations at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mr. Adisak Limprungphatnakij, Deputy Director of the Public Broadcasting Organization of Thailand’s Technology Department, Ms. Niramol Rasee, Director of the Health Promotion Division at the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, Mr. Arak Pornprapa, President of Thai Honda Co., Ltd., Ms. Wannawan Tanruangwong, Corporate Communications Manager for Ford Thailand, Police Colonel Suksawat Kusitphon, Deputy Commander of the Highway Police, Colonel Chal Siriwannaya, Commander of the First Combat Support Division, and various sponsors joined the press conference.
General Decha stated that the international long-distance cycling race “Tour of Thailand 2026” is held to honor the 71st birthday of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on 2 April 2026. At each stage’s opening ceremony, the officiating dignitary will offer royal blessings. There will also be a special pavilion where the public can sign their well-wishes, which the Cycling Association of Thailand will later present to the Princess. During the race, spectators along the route will wear purple shirts and wave Thai national flags alongside flags bearing the royal cypher “สธ.” to encourage the athletes. The association will distribute flags daily via promotional vehicles in advance.
General Decha added that the association has coordinated with Nong Khai and Udon Thani provinces, which have also held internal meetings. Both provinces expect enthusiastic crowds welcoming the athletes along the entire route. Particularly notable is stage 3, finishing at Phu Phoui Lom in Udon Thani, known for its scenic and challenging terrain. Nong Khai offers numerous attractions such as the First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, the Naga statues at Wat Lamduan and Phon Phisai district, Wat Phu Tak Suea, and Wat Phra That Bang Phuan. These sites will be broadcast worldwide via live streams on ThaiPBS’s Facebook Live and YouTube, starting daily at 08:30, attracting over 3 million viewers annually.
General Decha further noted that the men’s category will feature 20 teams, and the women’s category will also have 20 teams competing. The presence of many international professional teams brings prestige to Thailand, stimulates the economy, and energizes tourism in Nong Khai and Udon Thani. He said that whenever Thailand hosts competitions, many foreign teams are eager to participate due to the Thai people's warm hospitality and excellent care. This leaves a lasting impression worldwide, encouraging tourists to visit Thailand.
Deputy Governor Jamlak Kunphet of Nong Khai said the province is fully prepared in security, traffic management, and public health. The race route passes through all nine districts, featuring over 20 kilometers of scenic views along the Mekong River. Nong Khai was once ranked the 7th most livable city globally and boasts many attractions, including several Naga plazas, regarded as the center of Naga culture in Thailand, as well as revered sites like Luang Pho Phra Sai and other sacred places. The province also offers delicious cuisine and accommodations ready to host athletes and tourists. Residents of Nong Khai warmly welcome all athletes and officials.
Deputy Governor Jakraphan Chantraphum of Udon Thani expressed gratitude to the Cycling Association of Thailand for selecting Udon Thani to host stages 3 and 4 of the men’s team competition. The route will pass through Phen, Ban Phue, Nong Wua So, Kut Chap, and Nong Saeng districts. He confirmed the province is 100% ready, having resurfaced roads and arranged road closures for athlete safety, along with public health measures. The enthusiastic crowd will welcome athletes at the finish line on Phu Phoui Lom, a beautiful tourist spot. Other attractions include places of spirituality, nature, and culture. He invited everyone to cheer the athletes and enjoy tourism in Udon Thani, where locals warmly welcome visitors.
Mr. Natthavee Sitthivorakul, Director of Domestic Public Relations at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, thanked the Cycling Association for organizing the international long-distance race “Tour of Thailand 2026,” with support from the Tourism Authority. The event not only promotes sports but also showcases Thailand’s tourist destinations to the world. Nong Khai and Udon Thani will have the opportunity to welcome international athletes, leaving a strong positive impression that encourages them to return as tourists. He also thanked all agencies involved for contributing to the event’s success.
Mr. Adisak Limprungphatnakij, Deputy Director of the Public Broadcasting Organization of Thailand’s Technology Department, said ThaiPBS has broadcast the “Tour of Thailand” cycling race live for over 10 years. It is the longest live sports broadcast on multiple platforms—Facebook, YouTube with over 10 million combined followers, and the VIPA app offering multi-view streaming worldwide. Each year, the event attracts over 3 million viewers.
The international long-distance cycling race “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 race across 6 stages from 24 to 29 March in Nong Khai and Udon Thani, totaling 816.60 kilometers. The women’s team category will compete in 3 stages from 30 March to 2 April within Nong Khai province, covering 297.10 kilometers.