Grand Prix will generate Bt1 billion for Thailand
SPORTS AUTHORITY of Thailand governor Sakon Wannapong says more than Bt1 billion will be generated by the Ptt Thailand motorcycling Grand Prix at the Buri Ram International Circuit in October.
The SAT boss said a huge income would be generated during the competition between October 5-7 in the northeastern province. Thailand has a
three-year-contract to host the MotoGP and must pay around Bt4 million (Bt100m by the government and Bt300 million by the private sector) each year for the license and organization.
“Around 100,000 people from all over the world will visit Thailand during that time and boost the country’s cashflow. We will invest 400 million but gain 1 billion, which I think is a great benefit,” Sakon said yesterday.
Sakon confirmed that all the sport’s superstars, including current world champion Marc Marquez of Spain and former champion Valentino Rossi of Italy, had signed up for the Winter Test from February 16-18.
Those two stars will also bring their favourite items to be auctioned off for charity on Sunday, February 18.
On February 17, Sakon will lead a convoy of bikers from SAT office in Bangkok to Buri Ram as a part of promotional activities for the Winter Test and Ptt Thailand Grand Prix.
Tickets for the MotoGP Thailand went on sale yesterday at at 7-Eleven shops. Grandstand tickets cost Bt4,000 and it is Bt2,000 for the side stands. There is a 15 per cent Early Bird for those buying tickets before February 19 and Sakon himself bought the first ticket yesterday at Bt3,420, the discounted price from Bt4,000.
Sakon said all hotel rooms in Buri Ram have been fully booked during the October race but homestays in the province are also available as a new option for fans.
