Tour of Thailand 2027 Rescheduled to June to Mitigate PM2.5 Pollution Risks

CHIANG RAI — The Tour of Thailand 2027, an international cycling race, has been rescheduled from its original dates of March 24-April 2 to June 28-July 7, 2027. This decision was made to avoid hazardous PM2.5 pollution and seasonal forest fires typical in northern Thailand during the dry season.

The event, officially named The Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s Cup Tour of Thailand 2027, is organized by the Cycling Association of Thailand under royal patronage and aims to honor Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on her 72nd birthday. Gen Decha Hemkrasri, vice-president of the Asian Cycling Confederation, president of the ASEAN Cycling Federation, and president of the Cycling Association of Thailand, spoke about the event's objectives.

“Hosting the international race will help generate income for local residents and strengthen Chiang Rai’s tourism industry.”Chucheep Phongchai, Governor of Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai Governor Chucheep Phongchai expressed full support for the event, emphasizing its potential to generate income for local residents while also prioritizing the health of athletes and participants. The association's technical vice-president, Wisut Kasiyaphat, known as Coach Tum, has been tasked with surveying and mapping the race routes. The men’s competition will consist of six stages, while the women’s race will feature three stages.

Discussions among the Cycling Association, provincial administration, and relevant agencies led to the conclusion that the original race dates posed health risks due to severe haze and PM2.5 pollution, which typically peaks from February through May. Gen Decha noted that past government advisories have called for the suspension of outdoor activities during periods of severe haze, underscoring the need for this rescheduling.

Governor Chucheep reiterated the importance of the event for local tourism, stating that hosting the international race will help generate income for local residents and strengthen Chiang Rai’s tourism industry, while also acknowledging that protecting the health of athletes must take precedence.

“It is crucial to coordinate dates carefully to avoid disrupting participating teams and athletes from around the world.”Gen Decha Hemkrasri, Vice-President of the Asian Cycling Confederation

The Cycling Association has notified the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), Thailand’s Sports Authority, and the National Sports Development Fund about the revised schedule. The change aims to minimize disruption to the international racing calendar, particularly in Asia.

Gen Decha emphasized the significance of international cycling events for riders seeking ranking points towards Olympic qualification, noting the importance of coordinating dates carefully to avoid disrupting participating teams and athletes from around the world.