Thailand Secures New MotoGP Deal Until 2031

Despite Somkiat Chantra’s move to WorldSBK, Thailand reaffirms its MotoGP commitment with a new five-year hosting contract.

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Thailand has officially ‘concluded negotiations’ for a new five-year MotoGP contract, ensuring the country’s continued presence on the world championship calendar from 2027 to 2031. The deal, reported by The Nation, will soon be submitted to the Thai Cabinet for final approval, securing Buriram’s place as one of Southeast Asia’s premier racing destinations.

According to Kongsak Yodmani, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), the renewed agreement includes a “slight increase” in the licensing fee but remains “competitive compared with other host nations.” This announcement puts to rest earlier speculation that Buriram’s MotoGP future was uncertain due to Thailand’s growing interest in hosting Formula 1.

The Chang International Circuit in Buriram has been a mainstay on the MotoGP calendar since its debut in 2018, after previously hosting WorldSBK. Except for the COVID-19 cancellations in 2020 and 2021, the circuit has consistently delivered massive turnouts, with 224,634 spectators attending this year’s event, including nearly 100,000 fans on race day alone.

Buriram is set to play an even more significant role next year, hosting the final MotoGP pre-season test from February 21–22, 2026, just as Thai rider Somkiat Chantra makes his WorldSBK debut with Honda at Phillip Island. The 2026 MotoGP season will then kick off from February 27 to March 1, with Marc Marquez defending his championship title.

If the new contract is officially ratified, Thailand could host the first-ever 850cc MotoGP race at the start of the 2027 season, marking another major milestone for motorsport in the region.