Chai Nat is lively! Cyclists from all over Thailand flock to compete in the third round of the two-wheeled “Thailand Open,” helping boost the economy and tourism in the area.
General Decha Hemkrasri, President of the Cycling Association, revealed that the two-wheeled “Thailand Open” for the national championship and royal trophy, round 3 in Chai Nat province, has received an overwhelmingly positive response. Hundreds of cyclists nationwide have registered, with over 1,000 athletes and followers expected, nearly filling local hotels. This influx is aiding economic and tourism growth. Meanwhile, Phumawat Udomsap, Governor of Chai Nat, confirmed full readiness to welcome the cyclists and invited visitors to experience the province’s attractions and specialties.
“Sergeant Major Meuk,” 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, stated that the Cycling Association, in collaboration with Chai Nat province, the provincial tourism and sports office, the Chai Nat Provincial Administrative Organization, and related agencies, is organizing the mountain bike road race and road cycling “Thailand Open” for the royal trophy of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn for 2026. The third round will take place on 15-16 August 2026 along routes in Mueang Chai Nat District, Chai Nat province.
General Decha said that this round of the “Thailand Open” has attracted great interest from cyclists nationwide, with hundreds registering to compete. This has nearly filled all hotels and accommodations in Chai Nat. He urged cyclists who have not yet booked lodging to do so quickly, as more than 1,000 athletes and followers are expected. The large number of visitors not only enlivens Chai Nat but also stimulates the local economy, benefiting hotels, restaurants, shops, and souvenir vendors with increased income. Additionally, cyclists and their followers can visit key local sites such as Chai Nat Bird Park, the largest bird park in Asia, and pay respects to revered monks including Luang Pu Suk at Pak Khlong Makham Thao Temple, Luang Pho Kuay at Khositaram Temple, and Luang Pho Thammachak at Thammamun Worawihan Temple, all of which are sacred and deeply respected by the people of Chai Nat.
“Sergeant Major Meuk” added that the opening ceremony for the mountain bike road race on Saturday, 15 August at 08:30 will be presided over by Phumawat Udomsap, Governor of Chai Nat. In addition, the Cycling Association is organizing a health cycling event under the “TCA GREEN CYCLING” project, focusing on environmental protection and reducing global warming, called “Kwan Jai Chai Nat” before the athletes’ start. The Governor, an avid cyclist himself, will lead hundreds of cyclists from various clubs and local residents along the designated route.
The road cycling opening ceremony on Sunday, 16 August at 07:30 will be presided over by Jitthana Yingthawilapha, President of the Chai Nat Provincial Administrative Organization. The event will be broadcast live on Facebook Live via the Thailand Cycling Association and TCA Channel pages, as well as on the TCA Channel YouTube, allowing sports fans to watch the entire two-day competition.
Phumawat Udomsap, Governor of Chai Nat, stated on behalf of the people of the province, expressing gratitude to the Cycling Association of Thailand for honoring Chai Nat by hosting the mountain bike road race and road cycling "Thailand Open" for the royal trophy. The province has instructed relevant agencies to prepare thoroughly to ensure the event runs smoothly and leaves a strong impression on athletes and visitors.
“Chai Nat is a small province in the upper central region but boasts many important and interesting tourist attractions. Hosting a major cycling competition like this not only promotes sports but also tourism and boosts the local economy. Hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, and OTOP vendors all have opportunities to increase revenue. Notable local products include the sweet and crisp white pomelo and cucumber, the traditional Kui Lee sesame snack dating back to King Rama VI’s era, local handicrafts like water hyacinth weaving, and community herbal products from Sapphaya district. Cyclists and their followers can purchase these as souvenirs,” said the Governor.
Athletes wishing to register for the mountain bike road race and road cycling “Thailand Open” for the royal trophy, round 3 in Chai Nat from 15-16 August, can do so at the event command center near the BMX field at the Chai Nat Provincial Administrative Organization on Friday, 14 August from 11:00 to 16:00. For more details, visit the Thailand Cycling Association’s Facebook page or call 0-2719-3340-2 during official hours.