Thailand’s Cabinet has formally approved a proposal to extend the nation’s hosting rights of the MotoGP World Motorcycle Championship for an additional five years—from 2027 to 2031—with a budget allocation of 3,997.86 million baht.

The decision, announced by Deputy Government Spokesperson Airin Phanrit, marks a continuation of a partnership that began in 2018 at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram.

The extension, submitted by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and negotiated by the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), was presented to the Cabinet and gains approval amid a backdrop of rising global viewership—MotoGP reportedly draws more than 800 million viewers across 207 countries—and strong domestic economic impact.

Officials estimate the event has contributed roughly 24.93 billion baht in economic value, with average spectator attendance exceeding 206,000 at each race.

SAT Governor Kongsak Yodmanee emphasised that Thailand’s proven track-record in hosting the event, combined with its global brand positioning and tourism draw, makes the renewal a strategic advantage for the country’s soft power and sports-tourism ambitions.

While the hosting fee is said to have increased slightly in the new deal, Thai officials maintain that the deal remains cost-competitive compared to other host nations.

The extended contract also signals Thailand’s intention to diversify from traditional tourism offerings and leverage international sporting events as long-term drivers of growth.

By locking in the MotoGP slot well into the next decade, the government and SAT are seeking to attract greater private-sector participation and upgrade the event into a “mega-attraction” with amplified economic spill-over across hospitality, transport and investment.

Critics in parliament, however, have raised questions about the pace of approval and the focus on MotoGP rather than other marquee motorsport events.

Opposition figures argue that the state investment may favour particular regional stakeholders and call for broader disclosure of cost-benefit analysis.

Nonetheless, state agencies describe the renewal as an opportunity to sustain host-city appeal, export Thai-branded sporting events and maintain Buriram’s position as a world-class motorsport venue.

With the contract now approved, Thailand will host the MotoGP through at least 2031—building continuity in its sports-tourism portfolio and reinforcing the nation’s ambition to remain a regional hub for elite global events.