Situated on the outskirts of Buriram, Chang International Circuit is Thailand’s premier permanent racing facility and one of Asia’s leading motorsport venues. Officially opened in 2014, the circuit was designed to international FIA and FIM standards, allowing it to host the world’s highest levels of automobile and motorcycle competition.
Designed by renowned circuit architect Hermann Tilke, the venue combines long straights, heavy braking zones and flowing technical sections to produce consistently close racing. Since joining the MotoGP calendar in 2018, Chang International Circuit has rapidly become one of the championship’s most popular destinations, while also hosting World Superbike, GT racing and numerous Asian championships.
Today, the circuit stands at the centre of Thailand’s ambition to become one of Asia’s major motorsport destinations.
In Brief
- Chang International Circuit opened in 2014 as Thailand’s first FIA Grade 1 and FIM Grade A circuit.
- MotoGP first visited the circuit in 2018. The venue consistently attracts some of the largest crowds on the MotoGP calendar.
- Multiple long straights and heavy braking zones produce excellent overtaking opportunities.
- The circuit hosts both international automobile and motorcycle championships.
- Buriram has become synonymous with modern Thai motorsport thanks to the circuit’s success.
History
The circuit was conceived during the early 2010s as part of a wider strategy to promote Buriram Province through international sport and tourism. Construction began in 2013, with the venue officially opening in 2014 as Thailand’s first FIA Grade 1 and FIM Grade A permanent circuit.
Its first major international success came through the Superbike World Championship Thai Round, which immediately demonstrated the circuit’s ability to stage world-class events.
A defining milestone followed in 2018 when MotoGP arrived for the inaugural Thailand motorcycle Grand Prix. The event attracted record crowds and quickly established itself as one of the championship’s most successful races, combining passionate local support with consistently exciting competition.
Since then, Chang International Circuit has continued to expand its international calendar while serving as a major centre for motorsport across Southeast Asia.
Circuit Design
Chang International Circuit measures 4.554 kilometres and features a balanced layout that rewards both outright speed and technical precision.
The circuit is built around three principal straights connected by heavy braking zones, creating multiple overtaking opportunities throughout the lap. Between these straights lie a mixture of medium-speed corners and flowing sequences where maintaining momentum becomes increasingly important.
Unlike many circuits where overtaking is concentrated at a single location, Chang offers several genuine passing opportunities, encouraging close racing across a wide variety of categories.
Modern run-off areas, excellent drainage and contemporary safety infrastructure allow the circuit to accommodate both Formula cars and motorcycles without compromise.
LENGTH
4.554
kilometres
WIDTH
12–15
metres
DIRECTION
CW
clockwise
TURNS
12
5 left – 7 right
SURFACE
Asphalt
LONGEST STRAIGHT
780
metres
ELEVATION CHANGE
18.3
metres
OPENED
2014
12 years ago
Chang International Circuit is defined by the contrast between its long acceleration zones and a more technical sequence of corners through the second half of the lap. Its relatively flat terrain places the emphasis on braking accuracy, traction and efficient changes of direction rather than elevation, while the combination of high-speed straights and slower corners creates an important compromise between straight-line performance and mechanical grip.
The opening sector establishes the circuit’s high-speed character, with competitors accelerating through the first corner before building considerable speed along the long straights that follow. Heavy braking into Turn 3 provides one of the lap’s principal overtaking opportunities and places significant demands on stability before strong traction becomes essential on exit. Through the middle and final sections, the circuit becomes progressively more technical, with interconnected medium-speed corners rewarding rhythm and accurate positioning before the final turns again emphasise braking and traction onto the main straight.
Rather than being dominated by a single celebrated corner, Chang International Circuit creates its challenge through managing the transition between very high-speed acceleration and technical corner sequences. Drivers and riders who remain stable under heavy braking, preserve momentum through the flowing sections and maximise traction onto the long straights are generally rewarded most strongly.
| Corner |
|---|
| T1 079° · Right · 36 m |
| T2 006° · Left · 71 m |
| T3 182° · Right · 150 m |
| T4 053° · Left · 93 m |
| T5 111° · Left · 75 m |
| T6 088° · Left · 130 m |
| T7 070° · Right · 103 m |
| T8 074° · Right · 60 m |
| T9 146° · Right · 140 m |
| T10 078° · Left · 160 m |
| T11 030° · Right · 52 m |
| T12 119° · Right · 38 m |
Chang International Circuit occupies an important position in Southeast Asian motorsport as Thailand’s principal international racing venue. Opened in 2014 near Buriram, it provided the country with its first modern circuit capable of hosting the highest levels of international automobile and motorcycle competition and significantly strengthened Thailand’s presence within the global motorsport calendar.
The circuit’s strongest international association is with MotoGP, which first brought the Thailand Grand Prix to Buriram in 2018. The event rapidly developed into one of the championship’s major Asian race weekends, attracting exceptionally large crowds and demonstrating the strength of Thailand’s motorcycle culture. Chang has also hosted the FIM Superbike World Championship, giving the venue an important relationship with production-based motorcycle racing alongside Grand Prix competition.
Automobile racing has formed another significant part of the circuit’s identity. Chang has welcomed GT competition, touring cars, endurance racing and major regional championships, including events bringing international teams and manufacturers to Thailand. Its modern facilities and year-round activities have also made the circuit important for manufacturer launches, testing, driving programmes and the country’s domestic racing scene.
Chang International Circuit therefore represents more than a venue created for individual international events. It has become the focal point of modern Thai motorsport, connecting the country’s enormous enthusiasm for motorcycles and automobiles with world championship competition. Its success has also demonstrated Buriram’s ability to develop as an international sporting destination, giving Thailand a permanent place within the increasingly important Asian motorsport landscape.
Visitor Experience
Visitors benefit from a modern venue designed specifically for international events. Grandstands provide excellent visibility across several overtaking zones, while wide spectator areas, hospitality facilities and efficient infrastructure contribute to an enjoyable race weekend.
MotoGP weekends transform Buriram into one of Asia’s great motorsport festivals, attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators from across the region. Outside international events, the circuit hosts track days, manufacturer experiences, advanced riding schools and driver training programmes throughout the year.
The surrounding province also offers visitors opportunities to explore Khmer temples, local cuisine and Thailand’s distinctive culture beyond the circuit.
Climate
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rainfall mm | Rainy days | Daylight h |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30° | 19° | 9 | 2 | 11.4 |
| February | 32° | 21° | 13 | 3 | 11.7 |
| March | 34° | 24° | 40 | 8 | 12.1 |
| April | 35° | 25° | 79 | 14 | 12.5 |
| May | 34° | 25° | 163 | 22 | 12.8 |
| June | 33° | 25° | 146 | 22 | 13.0 |
| July | 32° | 25° | 169 | 24 | 12.9 |
| August | 31° | 24° | 210 | 25 | 12.6 |
| September | 30° | 24° | 260 | 26 | 12.2 |
| October | 30° | 23° | 136 | 16 | 11.8 |
| November | 30° | 21° | 35 | 5 | 11.4 |
| December | 29° | 19° | 8 | 2 | 11.3 |
Monthly averages for Chang International Circuit, 1991–2020.
Generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information 2026 (CC BY 4.0).
Neither the European Commission nor ECMWF is responsible for any use that may be made of the Copernicus information or data it contains.
Location
Chang International Circuit is located just outside Buriram in north-eastern Thailand, approximately 400 kilometres north-east of Bangkok. The venue is served by road, rail and domestic air connections, making it accessible for both domestic and international visitors.
Its position has transformed Buriram from a regional city into one of Southeast Asia’s leading motorsport destinations.
Address
30
31000 Tambon Isan
Amphoe Mueang Buri Ram, Chang Wat Buri Ram
Thailand
Website