WITH the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) currently holding talks with licence holder of MotoGP motorcycle races to extend the contract to hold MotoGP Grand Prix in Thailand Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong urged the private sector to be more involved in the event, Amarin TV said today (Apr. 11).
The Thailand MotoGP (Motorcycle Grand Prix) started in 2018 with the races held at Chang International Circuit near Buriram city. The races were cancelled during 2020 and 2021 because of Covid-19 and the event is due to take place until at least 2026.
The private sector should be involved in this professional sport to go by the number of spectators and money made during the competition, he said.
If the private sector joins in, the financial burden on the government will decrease while further increasing the event’s popularity.
Sorawong insisted this step is not related to politics with Mr. Newin Chidchob, president of Buriram United Football Club and de facto boss of Bhumjaithai Party, having pointed out that sports are sports and MotoGP can really generate a lot of income for the country.
Right now talks are being held on extending the licence and reducing the 5 percent fee increase.
He added that inviting the private sector to invest in MotoGP races is not related to the coalition government having earlier this week indefinitely put on hold a legislation to open casinos under entertainment complex projects in certain tourist spots amidst sustained opposition both in the parliament and outside.
On holding Formula 1 automobile racing here, the government is currently in the process of drafting an MOU and studying the feasibility of hosting it but this must be a street circuit.
Sorawong confirmed that discussion with F1 is currently under study with the timeframe moved to 2028.
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MotoGP races. Photos: Motogp.com
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