Thailand’s Premier Eyes Pattaya for Upcoming Formula One Race

[webfact]

 

Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, visited Na Jomtien today to evaluate its potential as a venue for a future Formula One Grand Prix. Accompanied by Pattaya’s Mayor Poramase Ngampiches and other officials, the Prime Minister's visit underscores the Thai government's serious consideration of hosting the high-profile event.

 

Srettha engaged in discussions with Formula One representatives on-site before heading to Laem Chabang Port in Sri Racha, Chonburi, to inspect other facilities. This visit follows an earlier tour of Baan Chang in Rayong province, another contender for the Formula One race.

 

"Our aim is to secure a Formula One Grand Prix in Thailand," Srettha stated. "We are assessing U-Tapao airport, Pattaya, and Bangkok for their suitability." He added that U-Tapao airport could host a circuit race for maximum safety, while Bangkok and Pattaya are considered for a city race, leveraging Bangkok's iconic urban landscape and Pattaya's picturesque beachside routes.

 

Formula One officials have shown interest in expanding the race calendar to include new, exciting locations. Thailand’s potential inclusion would signify a significant step for the country's motorsport profile. Currently, Asia hosts several prestigious Grand Prix events in Singapore, Japan, and China. Adding Thailand to the roster could bring substantial economic benefits and global recognition.

 

The Prime Minister also took to social media, posting on X: “In pursuing our F1 goal, U-Tapao Airport project includes a facility for the 'circuit race' type which provides maximum safety; while Bangkok and Pattaya are being assessed for the 'city race' type with captivating routes.”

 

Securing a Formula One Grand Prix would not only boost Thailand’s international image but also stimulate local economies. As the discussions progress, Thai motorsport fans eagerly await an official decision, hopeful that one of the proposed cities will soon become the next iconic stop on the Formula One circuit.

 

Picture courtesy: PPTV

 

-- 2024-06-24

 

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[rocketboy2]

Yes, Carry on rolling them big fat joints. 

 

[hotchilli]

They may have to widen Walking street, 

[Henryford]

It would have to be somewhere with loads of hotel spaces which only leaves Bangkok and Pattaya. Can you imagine the race around Pattaya ha ha. They would have to stop every few yards to go around the road works. The only option is a street race in Bangkok yawn.

[Thingamabob]

Dream on..

[cncltd1973]

that would be a huge accomplishment if Sretta can pull it off, tho I wonder if the Thailand is stable enough for f1, being the hub of coupes

[Peterw42]

Why wouldn't they have it at Bangsaen where there is already a very successful once a year street circuit race. Halfway between Bangkok and Pattaya, 40 mins from either airport, 1,000s of hotels and restaurants.

Why reinvent the wheel ?

[JoePai]

9 minutes ago, Peterw42 said:

Why wouldn't they have it at Bangsaen where there is already a very successful once a year street circuit race. Halfway between Bangkok and Pattaya, 40 mins from either airport, 1,000s of hotels and restaurants.

Why reinvent the wheel ?

Because Bangsaen - and Pattaya - are totally unsuitable for F1

[VBer]

Beach road and Second road are the perfect circle. Ladyboys at beach will be waiving flags, randomly appearing songteos will make race more exciting, ganja shops will be promoting Pattaya over the world. But I afraid that this is not achievable, because there is no power in the world capable to remove motorbike rentals from this route.

[Peterw42]

25 minutes ago, JoePai said:

Because Bangsaen - and Pattaya - are totally unsuitable for F1

What makes it unsuitable ? Monaco and other street circuits are successful.

[Darksidedude]

how could anyone even mention this ha ha

[JoePai]

39 minutes ago, Peterw42 said:

What makes it unsuitable ? Monaco and other street circuits are successful.

Monaco is not suitable - and would never have a race if a decision was made today

[CallumWK]

49 minutes ago, Peterw42 said:

What makes it unsuitable ? Monaco and other street circuits are successful.

 

Do they also have the drain covers either few cm above or below the road surface?

[Peterw42]

Just now, CallumWK said:

 

Do they also have the drain covers either few cm above or below the road surface?

I think that may be rectified if an F1 race is taking place. Bangsean already has the drains fixed up as they have a street circuit race there every year.

[sammieuk1]

Every road is a racetrack already PM 🤔

[Tropicalevo]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Adding Thailand to the roster could bring substantial economic benefits and global recognition.

And HUGE costs for the hosting.

Many circuits died because of high fees to the FIA.

[kingstonkid]

best location would be around the lighthouse

 

[Guderian]

Great idea, with the usual traffic in Pattaya these days the racers will be lucky to get out of second gear, lol.

[newbee2022]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

 

Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, visited Na Jomtien today to evaluate its potential as a venue for a future Formula One Grand Prix. Accompanied by Pattaya’s Mayor Poramase Ngampiches and other officials, the Prime Minister's visit underscores the Thai government's serious consideration of hosting the high-profile event.

 

Srettha engaged in discussions with Formula One representatives on-site before heading to Laem Chabang Port in Sri Racha, Chonburi, to inspect other facilities. This visit follows an earlier tour of Baan Chang in Rayong province, another contender for the Formula One race.

 

"Our aim is to secure a Formula One Grand Prix in Thailand," Srettha stated. "We are assessing U-Tapao airport, Pattaya, and Bangkok for their suitability." He added that U-Tapao airport could host a circuit race for maximum safety, while Bangkok and Pattaya are considered for a city race, leveraging Bangkok's iconic urban landscape and Pattaya's picturesque beachside routes.

 

Formula One officials have shown interest in expanding the race calendar to include new, exciting locations. Thailand’s potential inclusion would signify a significant step for the country's motorsport profile. Currently, Asia hosts several prestigious Grand Prix events in Singapore, Japan, and China. Adding Thailand to the roster could bring substantial economic benefits and global recognition.

 

The Prime Minister also took to social media, posting on X: “In pursuing our F1 goal, U-Tapao Airport project includes a facility for the 'circuit race' type which provides maximum safety; while Bangkok and Pattaya are being assessed for the 'city race' type with captivating routes.”

 

Securing a Formula One Grand Prix would not only boost Thailand’s international image but also stimulate local economies. As the discussions progress, Thai motorsport fans eagerly await an official decision, hopeful that one of the proposed cities will soon become the next iconic stop on the Formula One circuit.

 

Picture courtesy: PPTV

 

-- 2024-06-24

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

He doesn't know yet about the entry price to have Formula one in Thailand.

It's going to billion Baht. 

 

He should start with a #gofundme# immediately 🤣

[FritsSikkink]

5 hours ago, Henryford said:

It would have to be somewhere with loads of hotel spaces which only leaves Bangkok and Pattaya. Can you imagine the race around Pattaya ha ha. They would have to stop every few yards to go around the road works. The only option is a street race in Bangkok yawn.

The roads in Bangkok aren't F1 quality.

[FritsSikkink]

3 hours ago, Peterw42 said:

I think that may be rectified if an F1 race is taking place. Bangsean already has the drains fixed up as they have a street circuit race there every year.

F1 cars have much more traction than the cars on that street circuit race. They also need a flat surface without bumps.

[thecyclist]

It would definitely have to go through Soi Pothole, turning right all the way down Soi Buakao past the lovely beer bars (the girls would love it, nice distraction from the potbellied farangs ambling), then down to the artificial, often disappearing,  sand beach, zipping through walking street. 

Has to be in August  , the flooding would add some extra challenges and excitement. 

[mancub]

Is he so full of himself that he actually believes in this illusional gush that he spouts every time he visits somewhere ?

[mason 45]

11 hours ago, Henryford said:

It would have to be somewhere with loads of hotel spaces which only leaves Bangkok and Pattaya. Can you imagine the race around Pattaya ha ha. They would have to stop every few yards to go around the road works. The only option is a street race in Bangkok yawn.

There's F1 racing in Sukhumvit Road every night.

[Lancelot01]

14 hours ago, Peterw42 said:

What makes it unsuitable ? Monaco and other street circuits are successful.

Isn't there a decent venue at Buriram? Seems ok for motorbikes? 

[GypsyT]

Las Vegas race cost was 500 mil USD. That's 18,296,750,000THB...

 

Nice idea but will never happen. Vietnam tried too but no go.

 

Buriram has MotoGP but not enough hotels etc to be world class. This race should be near Pattaya, at "Bira Circuit". https://bira.co.th/

 

 

[Harsh Jones]

On 6/23/2024 at 8:53 PM, kingstonkid said:

best location would be around the lighthouse

 

 

This would be one of the best grand prix to attend. 

[Harsh Jones]

On 6/25/2024 at 12:06 AM, GypsyT said:

Las Vegas race cost was 500 mil USD. That's 18,296,750,000THB...

 

Nice idea but will never happen. Vietnam tried too but no go.

 

Buriram has MotoGP but not enough hotels etc to be world class. This race should be near Pattaya, at "Bira Circuit". https://bira.co.th/

 

 

Cant compare the cost of turning the Vegas strip into race track to Pattaya. All it would take is deep pockets and an aggressive Chinese developer to make it happen. And political will.

[CHdiver]

With the bad state the roads in Pattaya are, I would advice to host a WRC event (World Rally Championship). But even then, I am not sure if the cars would survive the condition the roads are in. 

[Ralf001]

On 6/25/2024 at 1:06 PM, GypsyT said:

Las Vegas race cost was 500 mil USD. That's 18,296,750,000THB...

 

Nice idea but will never happen. Vietnam tried too but no go.

 

Buriram has MotoGP but not enough hotels etc to be world class. This race should be near Pattaya, at "Bira Circuit". https://bira.co.th/

 

 

 

@ 1.5 miles long.. it is even shorter than Monaco !

 

Would need a massive cash injection to bring it up to spec to run F1.