The Thai MotoGP makes its long-awaited return in a new and historic chapter guaranteed to be bigger and more extravagant than ever. Through the collaboration between the government and the private sector, this Big Event will create happiness and an unforgettable experience. Both sectors will unveil their plan to accommodate more than 300,000 attendees, along with the thousands of volunteers tasked with maximizing convenience for fans attending the 3-day extravaganza of sports and entertainment. Tickets for the first day are now available online and at ticket booths nationwide which have been well received by racing fans around the world.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports held a press conference to announce the MotoGP 2022 competition, hosted by Thailand under the name “OR THAILAND GRAND PRIX 2022”. The high-octane action is set to take place at Chang International Circuit, Buriram Province, from 30 September to 2 October 2022 under the concept “Thailand to the World”. It will be a spectacular event that will be impressive and unforgettable.
On 8 July 2022, at Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) Chalearmprakiat Building, Floor 25, Mr. Napintorn Srisunpang, Vice Minister for Tourism and Sports, presided over the press conference. He was accompanied by representatives from the public and private sectors namely The Sports Authority of Thailand, Buriram Provincial Administrative Organization, The Tourism Authority of Thailand, PTT Oil and Retail Business Plc. (OR), Thai Beverage Plc in the capacity of Chang-brand beverage, Thai Honda Co., Ltd., Thai Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., Siam Commercial Bank PCL, Counter Service Co., Ltd., Chang International Circuit, along with partners, sponsors, and members of the press.
Mr. Napintorn Srisunpang, Vice Minister for Tourism and Sports, said The Ministry of Tourism and Sport feels proud and honored that Thailand can host a world-class event such as the 2022 season of MotoGP, as well as being recognized as one of MotoGP’s circuits, which is the world’s number one motorsport for the third year. Thailand first showcased its capabilities as a host for the MotoGP races in 2018-2019 and it gained numerous achievements such as being called “the most entertaining and joyful MotoGP event”, breaking attendance records for two years straight, going viral with the E-Tan Shuttle Bus, receiving the Best Grand Prix of the Year 2018 award, Grand Stand tickets selling out within 5 minutes of ticket sale, tourists booking hotels for extended stays, as well as exposing some 800 million viewers in more than 207 countries to the spirit of competition and tourist destinations in Thailand.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is fully committed to supporting the event because in addition to promoting motorsports in Thailand in a sustainable manner, the MotoGP event is the ideal model for utilizing sports to bolster diplomatic relations, generate revenue from tourism, as well as having positive ripple effects to other industries. After the long hiatus, the event this year must be memorable and extravagant for fans around the world, in line with the Big Event model where Thailand can host an unforgettable world-class event at an impressive scale and magnitude.
Dr. Gongsak Yodmani, Governor of Sports Authority of Thailand, said this is a major step forward for motorsport in Thailand thanks to Thailand once again hosting the MotoGP event. This underlines the success and talents of Thais in managing a world-class sporting event, which has garnered international praise. The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, representing the Thai government, partnered with FIM, Dorna Sport, and relevant agencies are working tirelessly to realize the event as we were faced with the Covid-19 pandemic, which disrupted competition plans for two years. Regardless, the SAT has continued to push forward and coordinate with every sector to make the event this year a reality. More importantly, this event will be grander in scope and scale to underscore the ability of Thais in managing a world-class motorsport event. In addition, there will be two Thai racers competing in Moto2, namely Somkiat “Kong” Chantra and Keminth Kubo. This is a testament to the strides Thai motorsports athletes have made towards the international stage. I would like to encourage Thai motorsport fans to come and cheer on the Thai racers at Chang International Circuit to victory at the home race.
Buriram Governor Mr. Thadchakorn Hutthatayakool said the province of Buriram is proud to host this incredible world-class event for the third year. We have listened to feedback to make the necessary improvements and fix the weaknesses. Regarding the hotels in and around Buriram being fully booked into the new year, The Buriram Provincial Administrative Organization has encouraged local residents to refurbish their homes into homestays. It will also promote new cultural tourism such as the Wetland and Eastern Sarus Crane Conservation Center and model villages. In order to maximize convenience for tourists and visitors, we have created the “Ask Me” team, made up of some 1,000 volunteers who are students and Buriram locals. There are also Gu officers looking after tidiness and cleanliness at the event. And of course, the E-Tan shuttle bus will make a return, providing transportation into Buriram Province.
In the previous event, we were praised by Dorna Sports for the incredible atmosphere, warm welcome, hosting capabilities, and friendliness of the people of Buriram. The local charm was well expressed which was a memorable experience for people around the world. In addition to the E-Tan shuttle bus, which became a viral sensation, we also showcased cultural performances and sold memorabilia that are the best in Buriram, as well as Nakhonchaiburin, comprising Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, and Surin, setting up booths and offering locally made goods at the event, which helped stimulate the local economy.
Miss Jiraphon Kawswat, President and Chief Executive Officer of PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR), in the capacity of the title sponsor, said that OR has continued to support motorsports in Thailand. Whether it is sponsoring individual racers, racing teams, or various racing competitions, OR has been at the forefront of supporting and providing opportunities for Thai racers and racing teams so that they can improve and compete on the international stage. It is also a golden opportunity to effectively promote Thai motorsports onto the global stage. By sponsoring the world-class MotoGP Thailand for a third straight year, OR is aiming to create a new and memorable chapter in MotoGP history. Motorsport fans are encouraged to experience the asphalt action of OR Thailand Grand Prix 2022. Holders of Blue Card can redeem 5 points for a 25% discount on OR Thailand Grand Prix 2022 tickets through Blue Card Application. Those seeking a Blue Card can register for free at www.pttbluecard.com or PTT Stations or stores under the OR umbrella nationwide.
Four types of tickets are available on the first day. The Grand Stand (4,000 baht) tickets offer an exceptional view of every bend and chicanes around the circuit. The Quartararo Stand (3,000 baht) ticket holders will receive authentic memorabilia from Fabio Quartararo. Holders of the Chantra Stand tickets (3,000 baht) will receive authentic memorabilia from Somkiat “Kong” Chantra. The Side Stand tickets (2,000) are seats placed around the circuit. Holders of every ticket type can enjoy the three-day event from Friday to Sunday. There are also special privileges provided by the sponsors such as holders of the Blue Card can redeem 5 points for a 25% discount, or 20% discount from other sponsors including Chang International Circuit Friend Club, HONDA motorcycle keys, YAMAHA motorcycle keys, SCB debit cards, and SCB credit cards.
Motorsport fans can purchase tickets at Counter Service All Ticket at 7-Eleven stores nationwide. Fans can also purchase tickets online at www.allticket.com. Tickets go on sale on 8 July 2022 starting from 15.00. For more information, please visit Chang Circuit Buriram Facebook Fanpage.
