Organisers began their countdown to next month's Thailand MotoGP Grand Prix as the government guaranteed that strict measures would be put in place to keep the event coronavirus-free.
The race -- the second of the 2020 calendar -- is scheduled to take place between March 20-22 at the Chang International Circuit in Buri Ram.
Qatar will host the world championship season-opener on March 8.
Spectators and teams at the Buri Ram race will face rigorous health screening and be given hand sanitisers and facemasks as the organisers hope to retain their record of having the highest attendance for the third successive year.
Thermal screening will be used at the racetrack entrances, hotels will look out for anyone showing symptoms, and a 'Buriram Healthy' application will provide up-to-date health information.
"We are 100 percent ready. I am confident with all of these measures everyone who visits Buri Ram will be safe," Newin Chidchob, president of the Chang International Circuit racetrack, told reporters during a press conference.
"Chang International Circuit has established strict measures to accommodate motorsport fans. Screening points will be set up, more than 100,000 pieces of face masks will be distributed, and hand sanitisers will also be provided at the entrances of the circuit and along the way to the stand.
"Moreover, visitors will have access to a guide detailing measures that they can take to prevent the spread of infection, which will be handed out and can be downloaded from 'Buriram Healthy' application," Newin added.
Newin Chidchob, president of the Chang International Circuit, speaks to reporters.
"I hope the MotoGP will show Thailand is safe and will quickly recover."
Anutin Charnvirakul, deputy prime minister and health minister, promised a virus-free event.
"There will be no cancellation or postponement," Anutin said, vowing to personally oversee health safety standards.
"We hope to promote the Thailand Grand Prix as a Covid-19-free race, for this will increase confidence in the country and its public health system that will be recognised worldwide, resulting in more income to the country and people.
"It's a global event... that has generated three billion baht [US$94 million] each of the last two years," he added.
"This year I hope that Thai fans will attend to compensate for any drop in foreign fans."
Tickets can be purchased at any 7-Eleven outlet or at www.allticket.com. Tickets for the Marquez Stand (4,000 baht), Rossi Stand (4,000 baht), and Side Stand (2,000 baht) are still available for purchase while the Grand Stand tickets are already sold out.
PTT Blue Card holders will receive an on-top discount of 25 percent while a 20 percent on-top discount is also being offered by other sponsors. For more information visit Chang International Circuit Facebook page and www.allticket.com. bangkok post/afp