PT Grand Prix of Thailand 2024: another landmark chapter for ThaiGP

PT Grand Prix of Thailand 2024 concluded on 25–27 October at Chang International Circuit with racing, southern Isan culture and the Khon Buriram theme. The Moo Deng campaign also attracted international attention, contributing to a weekend the organisers described as a source of national pride.

Public agencies, private partners and local communities worked together on the on- and off-track programme, aiming to deliver a smoothly run event that would showcase Thailand to the world.

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SAT Governor Dr Gongsak Yodmani reported a three-day attendance of 205,343: 154,666 Thai spectators and 50,677 international visitors. This compared with 179,811 in 2023. Thai attendance rose by 27,001 from the previous year's 127,665. He said the event had generated THB 4.759 billion in economic value, the highest in its five-year history.

Somkiat Chantra delighted home fans by climbing from 13th on the grid to fourth, narrowly missing the podium after a strong ride.

Chang International Circuit President Newin Chidchob described ThaiGP as a source of pride for the country. The year's Khon Buriram theme celebrated how local people had developed a relatively small province with limited resources into an international destination for football and motorsport.

The MotoGP pre-event introduced riders to Isaan culture at Prasat Muang Tam in Prakhon Chai district, Buriram. Riders and the Dorna Sports team took part in a promotional film, tried dyeing Phu Akkanee fabric with volcanic soil and sampled local food, including khanom tot ma.

Local people also took part in prominent roles. Buriram singer Khaofang, a contestant from The Voice Thailand Season 6, performed the national anthem live with an orchestra of local young musicians. Buriram United and Thailand footballer Sasalak Haiprakhon waved the MotoGP chequered flag, following Lisa's appearance with the flag in Formula 1.

Moo Deng, the pygmy hippo, became a playful feature of the ThaiGP’s online coverage. MotoGP.com shared a graphic placing her 23rd on the grid, while fans displayed supporting signs at the circuit. Dorna Sports also included Moo Deng in Thai-language welcome and thank-you graphics for the event.

ThaiGP launched the official ThaiGP x MOODENG campaign, offering shirts featuring the popular baby hippo on a race bike to 20 lucky fans, along with half-price admission to Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Dorna Sports also gave the shirts to MotoGP riders, who joined in celebrating Thailand's much-loved Moo Deng.

ThaiGP's off-track programme combined concerts, Muay Thai and the PT Grand Prix Expo with shops, restaurants and partner pavilions. Participants included PTG Energy, Chang natural mineral water, Honda, Yamaha, Toyota, Ducati and the Road Safety Fund. The new Thai Thai Pavilion presented local culture and craftsmanship through a contemporary design.

After the event, the Thai team met Dorna Sports, which praised the overall organisation as among the strongest on the calendar. That recognition rewarded more than six months of preparation and cooperation between public and private partners. The organisers highlighted the event's contribution to fans' enjoyment, the local and regional economy, and Thailand's international reputation.

Thailand's first MotoGP season-opening programme in 2025 began with a rider, team and bike presentation in Bangkok on 9 February. Pre-season testing followed at Chang International Circuit on 12–13 February, before the Grand Prix on 28 February–2 March. Somkiat Chantra's debut as the first Thai premier-class rider made the occasion particularly significant for home fans.