Bhumjaithai denies tension with Pheu Thai amid PM’s Buriram visit
The Bhumjaithai Party has denied any tensions with coalition leader Pheu Thai, asserting that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s visit to Buriram province, a stronghold of the Bhumjaithai Party, was not politically motivated.
Chaichanok Chidchob, the party’s secretary-general, emphasised the coalition’s unity. Newin Chidchob, the party’s co-founder, welcomed the prime minister and guided her around Chang International Circuit without any political intent, according to Chaichanok.
Newin, regarded as the party’s informal leader, was a gracious host, aiming to showcase the “Buriram Model” to Paetongtarn for potential adaptation in other regions.
Chaichanok added that Buriram is open to all visitors, regardless of their political affiliations. The 38 year old PM’s visit was for a government workshop on provincial development. She was joined by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Interior Minister Sabeeda Thaised, and senior officials, including Interior Permanent Secretary Atthasit Samphanrat.
Chaichanok highlighted that the Chang International Circuit was presented as a model for event organisation, with an emphasis on spectator experience and reasonable ticket prices. He clarified that the renewal of Thailand’s MotoGP hosting contract was not discussed during the prime minister’s visit.
Both Paetongtarn and Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong confirmed that decisions would be based on economic feasibility rather than political factors.
Rumours had emerged about the government’s intention to cease sponsoring the MotoGP Grand Prix following Newin’s Facebook post, indicating the Sports Authority of Thailand had informed him that the government would not extend the contract beyond the next year’s race.
When questioned about her meeting with Newin as an indication of improved relations between the two parties, Prime Minister Paetongtarn stated, “We’ve never been in conflict to begin with.”
The government had previously signed an agreement to host the MotoGP at Buriram’s Chang International Circuit from 2018 to 2020, with an annual fee of 300 million baht. The contract was later extended from 2021 to 2025, with the fee increasing to 324 million baht annually.
This year’s event, officially known as the 2025 PT Grand Prix of Thailand, took place from February 28 to March 2. The race, marking the opening of the 2025 MotoGP calendar, attracted 224,624 spectators, setting a record for the circuit, and contributed 5.04 billion baht to the economies of Buriram and nearby provinces, reported Bangkok Post.
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