SONGKHLA, Thailand – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is positioning Songkhla as an international motorsport tourism destination through the PT Songkhla Grand Prix 2026. This initiative aims to attract visitors and boost tourism revenue throughout southern Thailand.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has presided over the opening ceremony of the PT Maxnitron Racing Series 2026 on October 17, 2026, at the Samila–Chalatat beachfront in Songkhla.
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool delivered welcoming remarks, joined by Songkhla Deputy Governor Jirawat Maneechot, PTG Energy CEO Pitak Ratchakitprakarn, representatives from S63 Project Co., Ltd., and public and private sector partners.
Now in its fourth consecutive year, the competition runs from October 14 to 18 and features a beachfront street circuit, with teams from more than nine countries participating, including the United States, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Japan, Portugal, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. TAT seeks to link international sporting events with local tourism offerings, including accommodations, restaurants, cultural attractions, historic districts, and community tourism. This approach is designed to encourage longer stays and increase visitor spending.
This initiative aligns with TAT’s 2027 strategy, The Year of Transformation, which focuses on high-value tourism and establishing Thailand as an Asian sports tourism hub. Songkhla is one of five pilot provinces selected for Signature Destination Branding, highlighting its gastronomy, historic communities, and international sporting events. Organizers anticipate at least 200,000 spectators and approximately one billion baht in economic activity. (NNT)
