Locals said they hoped motorsports "could revitalise the economy of the northeastern province as the Chang International Circuit (CIC) was unveiled to the international community," according to Paritta Wangkiat of the BANGKOK POST. Former Cabinet Minister Newin Chidchob said, "Today is the day that Thailand declares its potential and capability to provide the highest standard of racing circuit to the world. Today is history." Newin, who also owns football club Buriram United, started building the 2B baht ($63M) circuit in March last year. He claimed the project took "just 422 days to complete, setting a record speed for constructing a world-class circuit of this kind." Motorsport and motorcycling governing bodies the FIA and FIM "have certified the circuit in their highest grades." It means the venue "can hold the two organisations' top competitions," F1 and MotoGP. Newin "hatched the project to attract international motorsport events to Thailand and boost visitors to Buri Ram, as part of his plan to make the northeastern province one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country."
The Buriram Tourism & Hotel Society is "estimating a turn out of more than 70,000 domestic and international visitors over the weekend," expected to generate more than 200M baht ($6.3M) for the local economy (BANGKOK POST, 10/5).
