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The Thai GP is in danger. On the MotoGP calendar since 2018, it is reported to be close to exiting the scene due to, needless to say, economic issues. In spite of a very good response from the public and therefore a significant flow of money into the coffers, the local government has reportedly decided out of the blue not to continue funding the event. This news was reported by the Bangkok Post based on declarations by Buriram track manager Newin Chidchob.
It all reportedly started with the publication of a Facebook post by the same promoter informing that politics would no longer support the event in terms of funding and that the 2026 edition would be the last on the schedule.
“I deeply regret this decision, as the government would only need to invest 500 million baht per year ($15 million), while private sponsors would contribute 300 million baht annually ($9 million), yet the event generates 5 billion baht ($147 million) in revenue for the country," his message read.
Beyond the return on the ground in the strictest sense, TV contacts are also money, and the weekend of action from February 28 to March 2 resulted in reaching 1 billion people connected among the 200 countries with the rights to broadcast the images. For her part, Premier Paetongtarn Shinawatra tried to keep the door open by claiming that all the data on tourist influx will be analyzed before the final no vote.
"It can be viewed as a political issue, but I would like to consider its business aspect. The private sector and the government must cooperate," was the prime minister's comment to the Asian daily.
As for Sports Minister Gongsak Yodman, on the other hand, the latter nicely chimed in, claiming that he has never spoken of a farewell to the MotoGP: "This year's MotoGP event set new records, including an economic value that exceeded 5 billion baht. Competition to organize the event is fierce and many countries are queuing up for it," he asserted.
