Buriram Marathon 2027 Launches with 5.2 Billion Baht Economic Impact
Thailand's government launched the Buriram Marathon 2027, a World Athletics-certified event expected to generate 5.2 billion baht in economic impact over the next decade while positioning the northeastern province as a model for sports-driv
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenkul held a press conference at The Stories Square in Bangkok to announce the Buriram Marathon 2027, a world-standard running event. The ministry outlined its vision to harness mass participation sports events as an engine for grassroots economic growth and elevate secondary cities into Asia's premier sports tourism destinations.
Key attendees included Newin Chidchob, president of the Buriram International Circuit; Race Director Chotchanok Chidchob; Lieutenant General Chakratip Chaijinda, chairman of the Thailand Amateur Athletics Association; and Buriram Province Governor Piya Pidhnom.
Minister Surasak revealed that the Buriram Marathon, certified to international standards by World Athletics, is entering its second decade with full momentum. Over the past ten years, the sports festival has demonstrated concrete economic value to the region.
The ministry has adopted a three-pronged strategic approach based on the marathon's success:
1. Converting "People Power" into "Economic Power": The Buriram Marathon has generated over 5.2 billion baht in circulating revenue over the past decade by attracting domestic and international runners and tourists.
2. Elevating Secondary City Economics: Using secondary cities as strategic hubs to distribute income and foster sustainable grassroots economic growth. Buriram stands as a successful model for sports-driven urban development.
3. Community Participation: The event's distinctive strength lies in local involvement, with residents across Buriram Province collectively serving as hosts, transforming the sports competition into a festival of joy.
"I believe no other Thai province has achieved the level of community participation that Buriram has in hosting a major sports festival," Surasak said. "In this second decade, the Buriram Marathon will transcend being merely a successful running event to become a key platform for attracting sports tourists and a model for other provinces in developing their cities through sports, positioning Thailand as a leading sports tourism destination in Asia."
Beyond sports and economic dimensions, the press conference also featured a donation to the Thailand Amateur Athletics Association and the presentation of charity bib proceeds from the 2026 Buriram Marathon to Buriram Hospital.
