Thai PM tours Chang Circuit amid MotoGP, political tensions
In a political and sporting crossover, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra took a tour of the Chang International Circuit in Buriram today, led by none other than Newin Chidchob, president of the race track and political heavyweight of the Bhumjaithai Party. While the track hosts Thailand’s MotoGP races, it was political tensions and contract concerns that stole the spotlight.
The 38 year old PM’s visit was officially tied to a provincial development meeting for the 2025 fiscal year, attended by senior government officials, regional directors, and local leaders. But all eyes were on the brief five-minute closed-door chat between Paetongtarn and Newin inside a VIP reception room at the stadium.
The private meeting fuelled speculation of political friction between the coalition-leading Pheu Thai Party and Bhumjaithai. However, Paetongtarn brushed aside the rumours with a smile.
“We weren’t fighting in the first place.”
Tensions had simmered earlier in the month when Newin publicly criticised the government for dragging its feet on renewing the MotoGP contract with Dorna Sports, the global rights holder of the race. The current agreement will expire next year, and fears are mounting that Thailand could lose its spot on the international MotoGP calendar.
Newin’s criticism struck a nerve, given his role as the unofficial patriarch of the Bhumjaithai Party and the central figure behind the Buriram MotoGP project. His comments were widely interpreted as a jab at Pheu Thai’s handling of sports tourism and international agreements.
In response, the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) later clarified that no decision had yet been made, stating that the government was still considering whether to extend the MotoGP deal beyond 2026.
Despite the political undertones, the prime minister’s visit ended on a cordial note, with Paetongtarn praising the circuit’s contribution to tourism and regional development.
The tour highlighted not only the significance of MotoGP for Thailand’s economy but also the delicate political balancing act required to keep major coalition partners on side, reported The Nation.
With the contract clock ticking and political alliances under scrutiny, one thing’s for sure, what happens at the Chang Circuit will be closely watched, both on the racetrack and behind the scenes.
Latest Thailand News
