Government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat on Sunday refuted claims by Pheu Thai Party spokesperson Suksit Srichomkwan and Prachachat Party leader Pol Col Tawee Sodsong that the MotoGP project benefited private businesses. He said the Buriram United International Circuit had been provided free of charge for seven consecutive years. Siripong also addressed questions about Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s registered residence, saying that although it was the same house as Newin Chidchob’s, they were not contractual partners. He urged critics to instead examine the Tomorrowland 2025 project approved by the previous government, in which public funds were paid to private organisers. He questioned whether the company behind it was the same major shareholder responsi…
Government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat on Sunday refuted claims by Pheu Thai Party spokesperson Suksit Srichomkwan and Prachachat Party leader Pol Col Tawee Sodsong that the MotoGP project benefited private businesses. He said the Buriram United International Circuit had been provided free of charge for seven consecutive years. Siripong also addressed questions about Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s registered residence, saying that although it was the same house as Newin Chidchob’s, they were not contractual partners. He urged critics to instead examine the Tomorrowland 2025 project approved by the previous government, in which public funds were paid to private organisers. He questioned whether the company behind it was the same major shareholder responsible for Pheu Thai’s Songkran Festival events.
He added that between 2018 and 2025, MotoGP had been held seven times in Thailand, with attendance and economic value rising each year, except during the pandemic. The last race drew over 220,000 spectators and generated more than 5 billion baht for the economy. He said critics underestimated audience figures and overlooked that conservative forecasts were used to ensure prudent budgeting.
Addressing concerns about rising costs, Siripong explained that global broadcasting rights were priced in euros, ranging from €14–17 million, with an annual 5% contractual increase. Given the series’ worldwide audience of hundreds of millions, he said such costs were justified. Thailand’s event was the season opener among 22 global races, making it a rare opportunity for the country to promote sports tourism, create jobs, and stimulate local economies.
Responding to Tawee’s remarks, he clarified that documents from both the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) and** Buriram United International Circuit **confirmed the circuit had never charged a venue fee. “No state money was paid for the use of the Buriram circuit,” he said, adding that Tawee should thank, not accuse, the organisers.
He stressed that the MotoGP deal was a direct cooperation between the SAT and the global rights holder, not an outsourcing contract with a private intermediary. “That differs from Tomorrowland 2025, where the government funded a private organiser who then earned revenue,” he said. “If the MotoGP generates profits, they are returned to the state.”
Siripong concluded that linking the prime minister’s house registration with MotoGP was misleading. “Buriram United International Circuit has allowed free use for seven years, bringing immense benefit to the country. Instead of criticising, they should be commended,” he said.