Thailand outlines plans for a bigger, more memorable MotoGP 2026 season opener

Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Sports Authority of Thailand announced preparations for PT Grand Prix of Thailand 2026, the country's seventh MotoGP and second consecutive season opener. The More Than a Race programme aimed to strengthen Thailand as a regional motorsport hub and exceed the previous attendance record. Grandstand seats sold out in 3 minutes 21 seconds on the first day of sales.

On 11 November 2025, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Sports Authority of Thailand held a press conference on the 25th floor of the Chaloem Phrakiat Building in Hua Mak to announce PT Grand Prix of Thailand 2026 and the opening of ticket sales. The programme included pre-season testing on 21–22 February and the season opener on 27 February–1 March 2026 at Chang International Circuit in Buriram. More than 400 guests attended, including representatives of the National Sports Development Fund, PTG Energy, Dorna Sports, Buriram Province, the circuit, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Department of Land Transport, Chang natural mineral water, Thai Honda, Thai Yamaha Motor, AAS Auto Service (Ducati Thailand) and the media.

Ticket sales for ThaiGP 2026 opened earlier than in previous years, alongside prize activities and souvenirs. The 3-in-1 Global Exclusive offer combined access to pre-season testing, the race weekend and entertainment areas. Grandstand tickets sold out in 3 minutes 21 seconds.

Government backs ThaiGP renewal and Thailand’s ambition to become a regional motorsport hub

Dr Gongsak Yodmani, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, said that Thailand's seventh year hosting MotoGP and second consecutive season opener reflected the combined effort of many sectors. He highlighted the country's distinctive hospitality and atmosphere, which give visitors a memorable experience of Thailand.

The speaker described the ThaiGP as a driver of sport tourism, generating direct and indirect benefits for hotels, transport, tourism businesses and their supply chains, as well as wider economic value for Thailand.

The announcement said the Cabinet had approved a five-year extension to Thailand’s hosting agreement for 2027–2031. It described the ThaiGP as a strategic asset for tourism and the country’s international profile, with the Sports Authority of Thailand tasked with supporting the event, developing young riders and promoting Thailand’s cultural identity.

ThaiGP: investing in the future of Thai sport and a model for ASEAN sports cities

Tanukiat Junchum, manager of the National Sports Development Fund, said six years of MotoGP had generated more than THB 25 billion in economic activity and attracted over 1.2 million visitors. He described the event as evidence of Thailand's capabilities in sport, tourism, economic development and international promotion.

Hosting MotoGP is more than staging an international sporting event: it is an investment in the future of Thai sport. The event inspires young people, creates careers in the sports industry and supports regional economies. Buriram has become a model for sporting development in ASEAN, while the race provides a platform for the sustainable growth of Thai motorsport.

Dorna praises the ThaiGP fan experience and strong attendance

Dorna Sports senior director Amparo Port expressed appreciation to Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Sports Authority of Thailand for their cooperation and commitment. She welcomed the five-year hosting extension and thanked the partners who had made ThaiGP a success.

The speaker described Thailand as an important MotoGP market, with a passionate fan base and room for further growth. Strong attendance, a busy fan zone, entertainment and food helped make Buriram an example of a complete race-weekend experience, both on and off the track.

PTG returns for a third year as title sponsor with the PT GO FOR MAX fan experience

Pitak Ratchakitprakarn, President and CEO of PTG Energy, described the company's third consecutive year of title sponsorship as a source of pride. He said it had strengthened the brand, created business opportunities and delivered shared benefits for Thailand and its people.

Under the “PT GO FOR MAX” campaign, the published offer gave PT Max Card Plus and PT Max Card Plus EV members a 25% ticket discount, while PT Max Card members received 20% off. The pavilion also featured offers from PT Maxnitron, Punthai Coffee, Autobacs and other participating brands, licensed merchandise, and Fan Zone, Hero Walk and meet-and-greet activities. Eligibility and benefits were subject to the terms published for that event.

Buriram declares its readiness as organisers cite more than 46,000 jobs supported by MotoGP

Buriram Governor Piya said MotoGP's success extended beyond three days of racing to support long-term urban development. It raised the province's profile as a sports-tourism destination, distributed income to communities and, according to provincial figures, created more than 46,000 local jobs across six years.

Buriram’s representatives said the province was fully prepared, with infrastructure, public services, security and hospitality arrangements in place. They described hosting the season opener again as an opportunity to strengthen the local economy and welcome visitors from around the world.

More Than a Race: a larger entertainment programme and ambitions for a new attendance record

Circuit Managing Director Tanaisiri Chanvitayarom said ThaiGP 2026's More Than a Race concept reflected the venue's wider community role, including its use as a COVID-19 shelter and emergency evacuation centre. The event would expand its fan zone, concerts and three-day activity programme, while retaining ticket promotions and complimentary pre-season test access. The organisers aimed to surpass the 2019 attendance record of 226,655 and continue developing the event through the new five-year agreement.

ThaiGP 2026 offered four three-day race-ticket categories, all including pre-season test access: Grandstand at THB 5,000; Rider Stand at THB 3,000, with Marquez and Quartararo sections and official rider souvenirs; Side Stand at THB 2,000; and Brand Stand at THB 2,000, with Honda and Yamaha sections. Each Honda Stand ticket included a cheering kit worth more than THB 800: a special Thai Honda T-shirt, cap, bag, inflatable cheering sticks and fan. Yamaha Stand ticket holders could enter a draw for two prize packages—an All New Yamaha NMAX with a Fabio Quartararo-signed helmet, or an All New Yamaha Aerox with an Alex Rins-signed helmet—with a combined value of THB 238,700.

Separate pre-season test tickets for 21–22 February 2026 cost THB 500 per day or THB 900 for both days in the Grandstand, and THB 5,000 per day for VIP access. The new Turn 12 VIP Lounge ticket cost THB 20,000, with an air-conditioned lounge, premium food, unlimited drinks, Wi-Fi, live TV and complimentary test access. Paddock Passes cost THB 15,000, or THB 12,750 with the 15% combined race-ticket discount, and also included complimentary test access.

PTG's ticket benefits included a 25% discount for red PT Max Card Plus holders and 20% for green PT Max Card holders, alongside event promotions and products from PT Maxnitron, Punthai Coffee and Autobacs. Limited-edition MotoGP souvenirs were also available. Further 20% sponsor offers included Chang International Circuit Friend Club and Honda or Yamaha motorcycle-key promotions. Details were published on PT Station's Facebook page.

At the time of publication, tickets were available through Counter Service All Ticket at 7-Eleven stores nationwide and the All Ticket website. Further announcements were shared through the Chang Circuit Buriram Facebook page and LINE account @changcircuit.