Welcome to Buriram, Thailand; this south-east Asian nation is rich in history, culture and passion in all walks of life and it’s an honour to be back here for Round 1. After 2025’s spectacular season launch and the circuit becoming the 25th different venue to host a season-opening round, 2026’s Grand Prix of Thailand kicks off straight after the final pre-season test of the season.
In the case you’re not familiar with this wonderful country, aptly known as the Land of Smiles for the warmth of its people and the generosity that comes in all walks of life, then you’ve been missing out – until know. The capital, Bangkok, is one of the world’s most visited with more 30 million people flocking to one of Asia’s most evocative cities year-on-year. Many stay there before heading either north to cultural melting pots of Chang Mai, Chang Rai or Pai and the nature they have to offer. Many head for the islands – more than 1400 – to enjoy the best beaches, scenery, parties and more.
Mainland Thailand may be your hit, your fix. Pattaya’s world-famous nightlife, Rayong province’s beaches or for the other side of the Gulf, Hua Hin and further south to Surat Thani – a jumping off point for some of the most pristine islands in Asia. Venture off the beaten track and you’ll find Buriram, known by sports fans across the country. At the heart of the culture here, the Buriram Castle complex, where a replica to Phanom Rung can be found as a backdrop to a thriving street-food market and entertainment complex. Not only is it where Buriram’s circuit sits but it’s next to Thunder Castle, the home of Buriram United. Add into the province’s mix an array of national parks, temples and other night markets, Buriram is ready to greet you like one of their own.
With fans at the heart of the experience, the unique atmosphere makes MotoGP’s annual trip to Thailand a special feeling. The circuit offers a slice of everything, hosting countless battles and final lap showdowns. In MotoGP™ alone, four out of the six Thai Grands Prix have been decided by less than a second and the opening two editions of the event hosted race-deciding battles until the last corner on the last lap. Three Thai Grand Prix winners are on the grid: Marc Marquez won the first two at Buriram as well as last year’s for a debut win with Ducati, whilst Jorge Martin won in 2023 and before Pecco Bagnaia took honours in 2024.
About the circuit that itself is located in the “City of Happiness”, two long straights dominate the opening two sectors where speeds exceed 320km/h, before a fast and flowing second half of the lap leaves overtaking at a premium, adding to the excitement when a move is made. The whole lap builds to a crescendo and a big braking area for the final hairpin, where races – and in the past, titles – have been decided. Less than 90 seconds when the weather’s playing ball, it’s action-packed all the way.
Heading to Buriram feels like being on a voyage of discovery; the tourist trail in this part of Thailand is existing but not well-trodden, meaning there’s a sense of excitement and wander. It’s also not for the faint-hearted. English is little, the city itself with a large urban sprawl and then, the heat: not one of Thailand’s hottest but still continuously pushing 40 degrees Celsius, Buriram is rather warm. But if you find yourself in Thailand for the MotoGP weekend, be sure to make your way there before continuing to enjoy a country that has a bit of everything for everyone.