BANGKOK, 13 February 2018: Preparations are underway to host the PTT Thailand Grand Prix scheduled to take place 5 to 7 October in Buriram province, Northeast Thailand.
The focus is currently on drawing more private sector support for the MotoGP event, which is an international motorcycle race series
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports permanent secretary, Pongpanu Svetarundra, is heading the organising committee for the MotoGP World Motorcycle Championship.
He was joined by VIPs and the leading lights of Buriram province at a meeting at the weekend including the governor of Buriram Province Anusorn Kaewkwan, Toru Sangudom, deputy governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, Sports and Occupational Privileges, and Newin Chidchob, president of the Elephant Camp. International Seri Center in Buriram.
Buriram’s brand new grand prix circuit is the venue for the first MotoGP event in Thailand that places the country on the Asia circuit for five years according to the agreement with the race and brand owners.
Last week, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports met with representatives from the private sector to discuss ways to increase income generation for entrepreneurs and communities in the northeast province of Buriram.
Various agencies from the government and the private sector will be involved in supplying travel, accommodation, food, transportation and facilitating customs for the race teams.
Tourism promotion activities will be outsourced to private sector firms through a bidding process. The successful agencies or companies will supply services and facilities related to the operation of the MotoGP race.
Pongpanu emphasized the importance of hosting this event, to drive tourism and economic benefits for communities in the Northeast.
He said: “This event will directly distribute income for the province, but it will also expand tourism earnings and draw tourists both Thai and foreigners to visit the northeast region”.
Touching on building awareness, he said hosting the race would give Thailand a major sports event similar to the World Cup.
“It will send a positive message that Thailand can host global sports events and it will disperse tourism beyond our popular resorts to improve the economy in emerging destinations.”
***Touching on building awareness, he said hosting the race would give Thailand a major sports event similar to the World Cup.
Don’t dwell on over expectations, there is a big difference.