Bira Circuit – Thailand’s First Permanent Race Track Guide
Originally published January 2017. Last updated September 2026: expanded Tier B circuit guide, facts table, table of contents, internal links, FAQ schema, and editorial refresh while preserving legacy narrative and images.
Bira Circuit (Bira International Circuit) near Pattaya was Thailand’s first permanent race track when it opened in 1985. The 2.41 km, 11-turn road course in Chonburi province gave Thai club racing and regional championships a homologated home long before Sepang or Buddh International Circuit joined the Asian calendar.
The venue is named after Prince Bira (Birabongse Bhanudej Bhanubandh), still Thailand’s only Formula One driver and a pre-war grand prix star. For Southeast Asian neighbours compare Sepang International Circuit, Macau Guia Circuit, and Zhuhai International Circuit.
Contents
Bira Circuit facts
| Location | Pong, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province (near Pattaya), Thailand |
|---|---|
| Official name | Bira International Circuit (Bira Circuit) |
| Circuit type | Permanent road course |
| Opened | 1985 |
| Length | 2.41 km (1.5 miles), 11 turns |
| Site area | About 65 acres (main course plus kart and off-road facilities) |
| FIA status | Homologated to FIA standards (national and regional events) |
| Capacity | About 30,000 spectators (grandstand and general admission areas) |
| Notable series | Thailand Super Series; South East Asia Touring Car Zone Challenge; Asian Formula 2000 (historic) |
Lap record note: Thailand Super Series, touring cars, motorcycles, and one-make cups publish different lap references. Compare times only within the same series and tyre regulations.
1985 opening and Thai motorsport growth
Motor racing had grassroots support in Thailand for decades, but competitors relied on temporary layouts until Bira International Circuit opened in 1985. The permanent facility let national championships, manufacturer track days, and driver schools run on a consistent surface.
The track has changed little since the 1980s — surface bumps and limited runoff are part of its character — yet it remains one of the country’s busiest circuits for club and professional test days.
Part of the Bira Circuit, Pattaya
Named after Thailand’s grand prix prince
The circuit honours Prince Birabongse Bhanudej Bhanubandh, better known as Prince Bira of Siam. He remains the only Thai driver to start a Formula One world championship grand prix and one of the few grand prix racers who also competed at the Olympic Games (sailing).
His pre-war successes in ERA and Maserati machinery at venues such as Goodwood made the Bira name synonymous with Thai motorsport long before the Pattaya track existed.
Compact 2.41 km layout
Bira’s layout is short and technical: 2.41 km with 11 turns on a relatively narrow ribbon of asphalt. The surface is bumpy by modern international standards, and tropical heat plus humidity punish tyres and drivers during long sessions.
The signature feature is a fast downhill double-apex section that rewards commitment on exit. Combined with limited grip, it explains why regional drivers treat a Bira lap as excellent training before travelling to longer Asian circuits.
Aerial view of Bira Circuit near Pattaya City
Regional events and international ambitions
Most race weekends are domestic: Thailand Super Series, one-make cups, and motorcycle championships. International visitors have included South East Asia Touring Car Zone Challenge rounds and Asian Formula 2000 races — among the highest-profile categories to use the track regularly.
Organisers have long sought a flagship international contract comparable with Sepang or Buddh International Circuit; Bira’s compact footprint and age limit how many FIA Grade 1 events it can host without major reconstruction.
Karting, off-road, and corporate use
The 65-acre site includes the main circuit plus an off-road course and a CIK-standard kart track. Control tower, steward posts, car and motorcycle pit garages, medical centre, and meeting rooms support race meetings, test days, and non-racing events such as product launches and concerts.
Start/finish straight at Bira Circuit
Grandstand seating and general admission areas can hold roughly 30,000 spectators — large by national standards for a circuit of this size.
Control tower at Bira Circuit
Getting to Bira Circuit from Bangkok or Pattaya
Bira lies about 120 km south-east of Bangkok (roughly 90 minutes by road) and a short drive inland from Pattaya beach resorts. Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports serve international visitors; U-Tapao airport near Pattaya handles some regional flights.
Hotels in Pattaya and Jomtien cover every budget, which makes race weekends easy to combine with tourism — Thailand’s hospitality industry is built for year-round visitors.
Frequently asked questions about Bira Circuit
Where is Bira Circuit?
Bira Circuit (Bira International Circuit) is at 111 Moo 5, Pong, Bang Lamung in Chonburi province, inland from the Pattaya resort area on Thailand’s eastern seaboard.
When did Bira Circuit open?
The track opened in 1985 as Thailand’s first permanent race circuit, giving national championships a fixed venue after decades of temporary layouts.
How long is Bira Circuit?
The main road course measures 2.41 km (1.5 miles) with 11 turns on a compact 65-acre site that also includes karting and off-road tracks.
Why is it called Bira Circuit?
It honours Prince Bira (Birabongse Bhanudej Bhanubandh), Thailand’s only Formula One driver and a famous pre-war grand prix competitor.
Is Bira Circuit FIA homologated?
Yes. Bira International Circuit is built and operated to FIA standards for national and regional car and motorcycle events, though its length and age limit the largest international championships.
What races are held at Bira Circuit?
Domestic series such as Thailand Super Series headline the calendar. Historic international visitors included South East Asia Touring Car Zone Challenge and Asian Formula 2000 rounds.
How far is Bira Circuit from Bangkok?
About 120 km south-east of Bangkok — typically 90 minutes by road depending on traffic. Pattaya beach hotels are closer for race-week accommodation.
What is the track surface like at Bira?
The layout is bumpy compared with newer Asian circuits such as Sepang. Heat and humidity add tyre stress during long sessions.
Can you visit Bira Circuit on non-race days?
The venue runs track days, driving schools, manufacturer tests, and corporate events when the circuit is not closed for race meetings. Check bira.co.th for schedules.
How does Bira compare with Sepang or Buddh?
Bira is a short national circuit from the 1980s. Sepang and Buddh International Circuit are larger, newer facilities built for Formula One and MotoGP-scale events.
Related reading
- Sepang International Circuit — Malaysian Grand Prix venue
- Macau Guia Circuit — Asian street racing
- Zhuhai International Circuit — China’s first permanent track
- Shanghai International Circuit — Chinese Grand Prix
- Prince Bira — Thai grand prix driver profile
Address: 111 Moo 5 T.Pong A.Banglamung, Chonburi 20150, Thailand
Phone: +66 38 938 140
Official website: bira.co.th