"Gen. Muek" invites cyclists to the Thailand Open in Si Satchanalai to experience historic routes along with a nostalgic cultural festival.
"Gen. Muek," General Decha Hemkrasri, revealed that the Cycling Association of Thailand is partnering with Si Satchanalai Municipality to organize the Thailand Open mountain bike and road cycling championship, the first round of the 2027 season, on 5-6 December 2026. He invited cyclists to experience historic routes and visit the "Si Satchanalai Time-Travel Festival: Wearing Thai Fabrics and Traditional Gold-Silver Jewelry" from 6-10 December, expecting to boost tourism and generate income for the community.
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, announced that the association, together with Si Satchanalai Municipality in Sukhothai Province, will host the Thailand Open mountain bike and road cycling championship for the royal trophy of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the first round of 2027 in Si Satchanalai District on 5-6 December 2026. The event will be broadcast live on Facebook Live Thailand Cycling Association and YouTube TCA Channel for fans to watch both days.
General Decha said that the recent Thailand Open mountain bike and road cycling races in Si Satchanalai attracted cyclists nationwide eager to ride historic routes. The association assigned its technical team led by Coach Tum Wisut Kasiayaphat, Deputy Technical Director, to scout and finalize the race route.
"After the race, cyclists can visit various sites such as Si Satchanalai Historical Park, part of UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage, Phaya Dam Temple, Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Ratchaworawihan (Wat Prang Chaliang), Wat Chang Lom, Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo, Wat Nang Phaya, the Sangkhalok Kiln Study and Conservation Center (Thu Thuriang Kiln), and the cultural tourism community of Ban Na Ton Chan," General Decha said.
General Decha added that he recently received a report from Mr. Chaiya Boonkerd, Mayor of Si Satchanalai Municipality, that during the competition period, the district will hold the “Si Satchanalai Time-Travel Festival: Wearing Thai Fabrics and Traditional Gold-Silver Jewelry” from 6-10 December 2026 at Si Satchanalai Historical Park. Cyclists and their companions can enjoy the arts, culture, and beauty of ancient customs, which is expected to stimulate the local economy significantly. Vendors and businesses will see increased income, and the event will enhance tourism activity in Si Satchanalai. He urged cyclists to book accommodations promptly before availability runs out.
Mr. Chaiya Boonkerd, Mayor of Si Satchanalai Municipality, said the municipality is fully prepared in every aspect, especially the scenic and shaded race routes passing historic sites. Coordination has been made with relevant agencies including police, health officials, the highway department, and volunteer rescue foundations. Mr. Eksit Wilaisilp, District Chief of Si Satchanalai, has directed all units to plan thoroughly to ensure cyclists’ safety and provide a memorable experience for all visitors. He also invited cyclists and their companions to visit the "Si Satchanalai Time-Travel Festival: Wearing Thai Fabrics and Traditional Gold-Silver Jewelry" at Si Satchanalai Historical Park, about 1 kilometer from the Phra Borom Racha Monument of King Maha Thammaracha I (Phaya Lithai).
Mr. Chaiya further explained that the Si Satchanalai Time-Travel Festival is an annual event held to preserve and pass down Sukhothai-era cultural traditions and lifestyle. It also promotes tourism and local products. Activities include retro-themed dress code encouraging attendees to wear Thai fabrics and traditional silver-gold jewelry unique to Si Satchanalai, nightly light and sound shows telling the story of Si Satchanalai’s origins, demonstrations of indigenous Thai village life, performances by 10 ethnic groups in the district, a vintage market, local food tasting, OTOP product sales, traditional fabric fashion shows, a parade of elephants during the opening ceremony, and traditional folk games.
The mountain bike race on Saturday, 5 December, starts at 09:00 from the road in front of the Phra Borom Racha Monument of King Maha Thammaracha I (Phaya Lithai), passing Wat Chedi Kao Yod, turning left onto Highway 1305, passing Si Satchanalai Vocational College, turning left onto Highway 1294, passing Wat San Chit, Wat Saen To, turning left onto Highway 1201, passing Si Satchanalai Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital, Wat Choeng Kiri, turning left at the Nong Chang School intersection, passing the first lap finish line, continuing past Wat Hua Khon, turning right at the OTOP Village intersection, passing Si Satchanalai Historical Park, turning right onto Highway 1201, turning right again at Nong Chang School intersection, and finishing in front of the Phra Borom Racha Monument of King Maha Thammaracha I (Phaya Lithai). The total distance is 49 km, except for the children's category which covers 16.77 km.
The road cycling race on Sunday, 6 December, starts at 06:00 from the road in front of the Phra Borom Racha Monument of King Maha Thammaracha I (Phaya Lithai), passing Wat Chedi Kao Yod, turning left onto Highway 1305, passing Si Satchanalai Vocational College, turning left onto Highway 1294, passing Wat San Chit, Wat Saen To, turning left onto Highway 1201, passing Si Satchanalai Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital, Wat Choeng Kiri, turning left at Nong Chang School intersection, passing the first lap finish line, continuing past Wat Hua Khon, turning left onto Highway 1305, passing Si Satchanalai Vocational College, turning left onto Highway 1294, passing Saen To Health Promoting Hospital, turning left onto Highway 1201, passing Nong Chang School, turning left at Nong Chang School intersection, and finishing in front of the Phra Borom Racha Monument of King Maha Thammaracha I (Phaya Lithai). The total distance is 63 km.
Athletes interested in participating can register now at the Cycling Association of Thailand’s website www.thaicycling.or.th until Thursday, 3 December 2026, at 12:00 noon. On Friday, 4 December 2026, registration is also available from 13:00 to 17:00 at the event command center beside the Phra Borom Racha Monument of King Maha Thammaracha I (Phaya Lithai). For details, follow the Cycling Association’s Facebook page Thailand Cycling Association or call 0-2719-3340-2 during business hours.