Minister Pushes for Bangkok F1 Race Plan with 2024 Deadline

[webfact]

Composite image: ASEAN NOW

 

Thailand's Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong is pursuing an ambitious plan to host a Formula 1 (F1) street race in Bangkok. Talks are already underway with the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, the governing body for F1 racing, to secure the rights. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is reportedly supportive, echoing sentiments from former leader Srettha Thavisin.

 

Sorawong highlighted two potential formats: traditional circuit races or street races in urban settings. He emphasised that F1 racing is more than a sport—it attracts global car enthusiasts and wealthy tourists, typically generating over 12 billion baht per event.

 

The concept isn't new. In 2015, former Tourism Minister Chumpol Silapa-archa proposed a similar plan with routes through Rattanakosin Island. However, due to the area's wooden infrastructure, alternative routes are being considered. A feasibility study is ongoing, with updates expected in December.

Simultaneously, a private consortium is designing an F1 circuit track at U-tapao, within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). EEC secretary-general Chula Sukmanop confirmed the project is in its planning stages, and a license will be the next step. The track, open to the public year-round, aims to emulate the F1 experience, despite hosting races only twice annually.

 

On a related note, the EEC, in collaboration with the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, is preparing for the Mini EEC Fair 2024 set for October. With over 400 anticipated business deals worth around 45 million baht, this event aims to boost investment in key S-curve industries in the region.

 

To further stimulate tourism, Sorawong's ministry is revising its 2024 strategy, discussing budgets for potential schemes like "We Travel Together," anticipated to launch during the next low tourist season.

 

-- 2024-10-04

 

[Tropicalevo]

Another 'money drain'.

I believe that it will never happen.

F1 tracks have quite strict safety and rules and regulations.

Something that is rarely adhered to here in the land of smiles.

[newbee2022]

They don't know how much they have to reach out as entry fee.

They think it's for free 😂😂😂.

Safety standards are far beyond Thai imagination 

[proton]

What about the soi dog hazard, not to mention the monkeys