BANGKOK (ANN/THE NATION) – The Thai government is committed to bringing international events like concerts by world-class artists and MotoGP races to Thailand in order to boost tourism, the tourism and sports minister said on Tuesday.
Responding to reports that Singapore has successfully closed a deal to host concerts by Lady Gaga in May, Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong said: “We too have a task force responsible for bringing international events to Thailand. Studies have been conducted to identify the funds required and other details, while TAT [Tourism Authority of Thailand] will prepare a plan to submit to the Cabinet next month. There is a chance that these world-class artists will hold a concert in Thailand, as talks are already underway with their agencies,” he added.
The highly anticipated concerts in Singapore will be the only stop in Asia for the 38-year-old superstar who has 14 Grammys and an Oscar under her belt.
Regarding the extension of the contract with Dorna Sports, the licence holder of MotoGP motorcycle races, Sorawong acknowledged that the event has been advantageous for Thailand, despite being hosted in Buri Ram province for the last seven years.
“However, renewing the contract without any negotiations could prove to be disadvantageous for us,” he said. “The government realises that the MotoGP races benefit the country, but one should not compare it with events like Formula 1 in terms of profits. It would be ideal if Thailand could host both events, and we certainly are ready to do so.”
Concerns about MotoGP’s licence extension made the headlines last week when Newin Chidchob, president of Chang International Circuit in Buri Ram, expressed regret that the contract with Dorna Sports would expire next year.
He also criticised the government for organising Formula 1 races in Thailand, set to commence in 2028, arguing that the local interest for MotoGP was significantly higher than that for F1.
Meanwhile, Sorawong informed reporters that if Thailand continues to host MotoGP, the races would remain at Chang circuit, as it is the only circuit in the country certified for such an event.
