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 

[Geoffggi]

This is unfair, how can they expect the F1 Drivers to keep pace with the normal Bangkok traffic ............LOL 😊😎

[mr_lob]

This would be like a carrot to a donkey for the Red Bull escape artist...surely then the rozzers would haul him in, right? Right? 🐖✈️

[spidermike007]

I just don't know how they could ever adapt an international level of safety standards. There's such a lack of regard for safety here and there's so little discipline when it comes to adherence to high standards. I don't see it happening for decades, if ever. 

[Bday Prang]

3 minutes ago, mr_lob said:

This would be like a carrot to a donkey for the Red Bull escape artist...surely then the rozzers would haul him in, right? Right? 🐖✈️

give it a rest pleeeease 

[hitext]

How are the F1 drivers going to react when they see a 1982 Honda Wave coming the wrong way towards them...

 

...with Dad (no driving license) driving and a toddler standing in front of him, Mom (no helmet) sitting behind carrying a baby, 3 kids clinging on for dear life behind her, and several chickens in a basket out front? 

[ikke1959]

No need to push... every day I see car racing on the road or I hear motorcycle races at my house on the highway.....Don;t bring more dangerous ideas to the Thai people

[brianthainess]

1 hour ago, Geoffggi said:

This is unfair, how can they expect the F1 Drivers to keep pace with the normal Bangkok traffic ............LOL 😊😎

[Bday Prang]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

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.

Certainly redefining the definition of the word "ambitious"

Talks are underway?   I'd love to hear what they are saying.....

Thai minister,  "  Can we host a F1 race in Bangkok"  ?

FIA rep              ""    " No of course not , don't be stupid"

 

The Pm is "so supportive" she merely  echoed sentiments from the previous disgraced PM  says it all really

[brianthainess]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

However, due to the area's wooden infrastructure, alternative routes are being considered. A feasibility study is ongoing, with updates expected in December.

What could possibly go wrong ? Another  "On going" Feasibility study, nice little earners they are.  "That is not feasible" "yes but lets repeat the study then dream up another unfeasible idea" rinse and repeat just keep spending our tax payers money. 

[JesseHumphry]

Why would they do that instead of using the Buriram Circuit? If it's good enough for MotoGP surely it's good enough for F1. 

It would cost far less and would be less of a hassle to deal with. The propensity of the FIA and Liberty Media to opt for street circuits is quite frankly insane. Dedicated circuits are how you get the cars to come alive. This isn't just a bad idea for Thailand, it's a bad idea for the sport in general. Sure, Albon gets a home race, but again, you have Buriram and it's a solid track. 

[wavodavo]

1 hour ago, Geoffggi said:

This is unfair, how can they expect the F1 Drivers to keep pace with the normal Bangkok traffic ............LOL 😊😎

Yeah and what about all the traffic lights and zebra crossings they gotta stop for.

[Chongalulu]

In further developments they have proposed using a bus converted to gas by Somchai as the Safety Vehicle..

[Crash999]

6 minutes ago, JesseHumphry said:

Why would they do that instead of using the Buriram Circuit? If it's good enough for MotoGP surely it's good enough for F1. 

It would cost far less and would be less of a hassle to deal with. The propensity of the FIA and Liberty Media to opt for street circuits is quite frankly insane. Dedicated circuits are how you get the cars to come alive. This isn't just a bad idea for Thailand, it's a bad idea for the sport in general. Sure, Albon gets a home race, but again, you have Buriram and it's a solid track. 

Believe the track would need some major upgrades as from what I remember it’s only certified for F3. Plus remote location and not enough local hotels. 
 

Biggest issue may be that the track is privately owned. And this is another group’s attempt to launch a separate project affiliated with the government. Lots of new government contracts to issue. Wink wink! 

[CLW]

To all the Thai bashers, since years Thailand holds two race events with FIA safety standards and great safety records. Bang Saen street circuit (GT car race) and Buriram (Moto GP).

Better do some research before just the usual bashing 

[CLW]

1 minute ago, Chongalulu said:

In further developments they have proposed using a bus converted to gas by Somchai as the Safety Vehicle..

Such a nonsense. What has that to do with a racing event 

[retarius]

Governing by non-stop gimmickry.

[Foxx]

8 minutes ago, wavodavo said:

Yeah and what about all the traffic lights and zebra crossings they gotta stop for.

 

Stopping at a red light is optional, and nobody here stops for a zebra crossing.

[ronster]

Most feasible way to hold a race would be organise a street circuit in Bangkok . This cuts out the insane cost of building a race track that would mostly sit unused.

[proton]

12 minutes ago, CLW said:

To all the Thai bashers, since years Thailand holds two race events with FIA safety standards and great safety records. Bang Saen street circuit (GT car race) and Buriram (Moto GP).

Better do some research before just the usual bashing 

 

Having a laugh is bashing now is it khun serious?

[bradiston]

2 hours ago, proton said:

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

And brake failure! Twisty roads. Rain. Other drivers.

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, proton said:

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

That's no way to speak about the officials.

[AustinRacing]

34 minutes ago, Foxx said:

 

Stopping at a red light is optional, and nobody here stops for a zebra crossing.

Zebra crossing is a scam. There are no zebras it Thailand. If they call them monkey crossing at least partially believable 

[Cereal]

This is something I would love to see. I would go every year. Me and the guys became kinda famous at the Montreal F1 race every year back in the 90s. 

 

[TimBKK]

Not sure another street circuit is needed - Monaco and Singapore, from a racing perspective, are the most boring races of the year, I mean qualy is the real race at least at these 2.  Baku a little better but still not many chances to pass either.  Not sure about Las Vegas or the others…is Miami street?
 

And, which race are they going to drop to add BKK?  24 seems a lot, drivers for sure don’t want any more than that.

 

Don’t see it happening, for these and many other reasons.

[Cereal]

40 minutes ago, ronster said:

Most feasible way to hold a race would be organise a street circuit in Bangkok . This cuts out the insane cost of building a race track that would mostly sit unused.

Good idea, plenty of width on the roads and there is precedent. Monaco, Montreal is a street circuit but specifically built. It could totally work. 

[mancub]

1 hour ago, JesseHumphry said:

Why would they do that instead of using the Buriram Circuit? If it's good enough for MotoGP surely it's good enough for F1. 

It would cost far less and would be less of a hassle to deal with. The propensity of the FIA and Liberty Media to opt for street circuits is quite frankly insane. Dedicated circuits are how you get the cars to come alive. This isn't just a bad idea for Thailand, it's a bad idea for the sport in general. Sure, Albon gets a home race, but again, you have Buriram and it's a solid track. 

Politics are the issue,,,,,,