What Is Bira International Circuit?
Thailand's first permanent circuit built to FIA racing standards sits a short distance from the seaside resort city of Pattaya. It has been the focal point of the local racing scene since 1986.
Bira International Circuit is a 2.41 km permanent motor racing venue with 11 turns. The pit complex has 30 garages, a main grandstand, and a spectator area that can accommodate 30,000 visitors. The facility spans 65 acres in Pong, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi.
The circuit was named in memory of Prince Bira (Prince Birabongse Bhanudej Bhanubandh). He is the only Thai person to have competed in Formula 1 world championship events.
Prince Bira raced in Europe throughout the 1930s and 1950s. His best finish was fourth place at multiple Grands Prix. His legacy made him the natural choice when Thailand built its first permanent circuit.
What Is the Track Layout Like at Bira Circuit?
Bira Circuit runs 2.41 km (1.498 miles) in a compact, U shaped course. It features short straights and several chicanes with real elevation changes. The surface is famously bumpy, which makes it more technical than it looks on paper.
You need to be smooth and precise here. The track quickly punishes aggressive inputs in the hot and humid Thai climate.
The fastest official lap record is a 1:01.444, set by Sam Abay in a Formula BMW Mygale FB02 during the 2006 season. For context, a well-driven Porsche 911 GT3 typically runs Bira in the low 1:10s during open track days.
What Racing Series Have Been Held at Bira Circuit?
Bira International Circuit has hosted top-level Asian racing since the early 1990s. The Porsche Carrera Cup Asia ran there from 2003 to 2005. Formula BMW Asia used the circuit from 2003 to 2006.
The Asian Touring Car Championship held rounds at Bira across multiple seasons between 2000 and 2009. This continued to bring world motorsport attention to Thailand.
Other notable series include the South East Asia Car Zone Challenge (1992 to 1998). Asian Formula racing competed there in 1997, 1998, and again from 2000 to 2002. These events helped establish Bira as a venue capable of hosting international-standard race events.
What Can You Do at Bira Circuit Today?
Today Bira Circuit hosts regular track days, time attack events, club racing, and testing programs. It is one of the most accessible circuits in Thailand for driving your own car or motorbike on a real racetrack. Events range from organized time attack competitions to open lapping sessions.
The circuit also runs driving schools and hosts corporate events. Companies use Bira for product launches, tire testing programs, and team building days.
If you want seat time without bringing your own car, the karting circuit on the same property is a good option. It was renovated in 2006 to meet Commission Internationale de Karting standards.
Where Is Bira International Circuit?
Bira International Circuit is located in Pong, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi province. It sits about 120 km southeast of Bangkok. The circuit is roughly 20 km northeast of central Pattaya along State Highway 36.
From Bangkok, the drive takes about 90 minutes via Motorway 7. From Pattaya, it is a quick 20 minute drive north.
The circuit has its own parking area. On race weekends the lots fill up fast, so arriving early is a good idea.
What Facilities Does Bira Circuit Have?
The pit complex at Bira Circuit includes a control tower, medical centre, and 30 garages. There is also a meeting room for event briefings and private functions. The pit lane area is large enough to accommodate full race weekends with multiple classes running.
On the opposite side sits the main grandstand and spectator area.
The karting circuit is a separate facility on the same property. It was renovated and rebuilt in 2006 to meet international karting standards. It remains a popular option for visitors who want seat time without bringing their own cars.
Facilities are functional rather than luxury. Do not expect the polished experience you would get at Chang International Circuit in Buriram. Bira has the character of a circuit that has been running for nearly 40 years, and that is part of what makes it feel like a proper grassroots motorsport venue.
How Hot Does It Get at Bira Circuit?
Racing at Bira is a hot and humid affair for most of the year. Chonburi province sits at low elevation near the coast, so track temperatures regularly exceed 45°C during the day.
Tire degradation, brake cooling, and driver hydration all become real factors during longer sessions. Bring plenty of water and account for the heat when planning your track day schedule.
Is Bira International Circuit Worth Visiting?
Yes, Bira International Circuit is worth visiting if you care about Thai motorsport history. It is also a great option if you want to drive on a real racetrack near Pattaya. The atmosphere on track days feels raw and authentic compared to more modern facilities.
For Porsche owners, Bira is one of the few places in Thailand where you can properly use what your car was built for. The technical layout rewards precision driving. The bumpy surface will teach you things about your suspension setup that smooth circuits never will.
