Rumblings Over F1 Race In Bangkok

[webfact]

Rumblings over F1 race
The Nation

State officials and community leaders concerned about damage to historic areas in Rattanakosin if event is staged in 2015

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's bid to stage the Formula One race in 2015 might encounter some bumps from the very outset as there is mounting opposition from concerned agencies and communities to the proposed idea.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the Committee for Conservation and Development of Krung Rattanakosin and Old Towns, as well as community leaders within Rattanakosin Island where the race is proposed to take place, have expressed their disapproval to hosting an F1 race in the city.

Concerns about the impact of the race, proposed to be held at night in March 2015, on ancient sites and significant landmarks abundant in the old town vicinity, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Democracy Monument, the resultant noise pollution and heavy traffic have triggered negative reactions.

The initiative to bid for an F1 circuit in the heart of Bangkok came from the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) and Red Bull, following a successful driving exhibition by F1 star Mark Webber of Red Bull on Rajdamnoen Avenue in 2010, which drew huge attention from audiences.

A proposal to stage the F1 has been prepared since last year and according to SAT governor Kanokphand Chulakasem, this master plan is nearly complete for submission to the Cabinet, which will decide whether the Kingdom should host the US$225 million (Bt6.75 billion) event. Even if the government, which will have to shell out 60 per cent of the event budget, backs the idea, a final nod will still depend on the BMA and its governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra whether to permit the race on its territory.

"I'm quite concerned about the idea, and disagree with using Rattanakosin Island areas for motor racing because I'm afraid there could be some impact on ancient sites due to the loud noise and vibration. We have to verify whether these sites on the routes would be affected by the race," said a key BMA official.

Last week, BMA representatives from the Culture, Sports and Tourism Department, Traffic and Transportation Department and Department of City Planning were informed about the primary idea to host the F1 by the preparation committee. According to sources, the committee was asked to reconsider the race routes due to BMA regulations, orders and other laws, which restrict the use and the organisation of sporting events within and around Rattanakosin Island, which is a conservation area where motor racing is prohibited.

Closure of roads will be inevitable to allow surface adjustments, the installation and construction of concrete barriers, fences, cables, pits, stands etc. That directly involves the Committee for Conservation and Development of Krung Rattanakosin and Old Towns as it is the unit that will have to authorise these constructions.

"A detailed blueprint, along with the effects on the environment, must be submitted to us if any government agency has a plan to build or modify any routes or have any activities within the Rattanakosin areas," said Niramol Maneekum, the director of Cultural and Natural Heritage Protection Section Environmental Conservation of the Natural and Cultural Heritage Division, who is also a secretary of the committee.

"As the Old City areas are protected under the Prime Minister's Office regulations and many cabinet resolutions, the private sector is ineligible to modify routes and stage activities for the F1 race within the Rattanakosin area," added Niramol, a member of the committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Phongthep Thepkanjana.

The Rattanakosin inbound, surrounded by Chao Praya River and moats, features several significant historic places more than a hundred years old such as the Grand Palace, the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, Bowonnivet Vihara Temple, which are highly sensitive to vibration, according to Niramol.

"So far, the government has been very strict on traffic congestion and reduction of vibration in the area. It is forbidden to construct a high-rise building or have a high billboard installed. The question is: "Is it appropriate to let this motor racing happen in the area?" asked Niramol, who also questioned if BMA would be responsible for consequences if this project was approved.

Another committee member, Manit Siriwan, suggested that proof should be presented to guarantee there would be no impacts on the ancient sites and the Fine Arts Department, in charge of ancient places in Rattanakosin, should play a key role in deliberating this issue.

Community people will be among those directly affected if Thailand is to host its first-ever F1 race. Preparation work will surely aggravate the already severe traffic situation in the Rattanakosin area caused by the construction of the Skytrain Blue Line.

Not to mention a possible exposure to up to 147 decibels (dB) of a Formula-1 race car at full throttle driving by. An exposure to 85dB is already dangerous to human ears.


-- The Nation 2013-05-27

[NongKhaiKid]

Usual Thai shortsightedness, there's big money to be made from F1, does anything else matter ?

[tomyummer]

How would they think of selling tickets to this? The Mark Webber shindig was free. How to recoup the investment? There are no worthy hotels in the area and logistics would be a nightmare. Think, Thailand, think!

[Bellweather]

How would they think of selling tickets to this? The Mark Webber shindig was free. How to recoup the investment? There are no worthy hotels in the area and logistics would be a nightmare. Think, Thailand, think!

You are right but when it comes to thinking a situation through you are asking Thais to change the habit of a lifetime.

[Hornell]

It ain't gonna happen! 2015? They have to be joking!

[MaxLee]

The biggest concern is infrastructure and equipment fraud sabotage that can end deadly for the racer... Need I say more???

[davehowden]

"I'm quite concerned about the idea, and disagree with using Rattanakosin Island areas for motor racing because I'm afraid there could be some impact on ancient sites due to the loud noise and vibration. We have to verify whether these sites on the routes would be affected by the race," said a key BMA official.

​Yeah, and also I have not been bunged enough!!

[webfact]

Local residents oppose Formula One proposal
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Residents living in the Rattanakosin Island area have expressed opposition to the proposed plan for a Formula One race there in 2015, citing concerns of road safety, traffic congestion cultural exploitation and noise pollution.

"If the noise of a long-tailed boat [around 100dB] is already very disturbing, I cannot imagine what these cars would do to my ears," said 80-year-old Aunt Nid or Orasri Silapi, leader of the Bang Lamphu Community Council.

For Parntip Likkachai, leader of Youth Bang Lamphu Community, the government should sort out its priorities and questioned if hosting a road race was rational.

"I definitely disagree if our country has to spend money on organising motor racing. It'd be better to use the budget to improve the education system or the society condition," said Parntip, who though opposed to the event agrees it would bring an influx of tourists to the town.

However, Praeng Puthorn Community leader Teerapon Kachaceevar was not entirely convinced if the country would benefit from the race and said he would not stand still and watch his community suffer due to the event.

"I really doubt if this is just another promotional activity by a private sector. If they claim this event would bring revenue to the country, I want to know if it's really worth it. Many historical events occurred on Rajdamnoen Avenue and to have a race here does not make any sense. I will protest if they're really going to do it," Teerapon said.

Sports Authority of Thailand, governor Kanokphand Chulakasem, who claimed this F1 proposal served the government's policy to host international events and boost tourism, admitted he had a heavy heart as he was aware of resistance to the idea and concerns over its impact on community people.

"There would be some impact, but we will try to make it as less as possible. We have to explain and make them understand about the work details and benefits our country will receive from this race," he said.


-- The Nation 2013-05-27

[whybother]

Do all the people living inside the track area get free tickets?

[DiNiro]

Concerned about noise?

I don't think so.

Something they are not telling us and it probably is all about money and stuffing their own pockets........

[Mosha]

The local residents may not like the noise 22 cars make.

[DocN]

Just IMAGINE that area to shut of for "the public" for a week or twi before the race.

Just imagine!

[ratcatcher]

Screaming racing cars and screaming race fans all within a few yards of Thailand's most sacred Buddhist temple and The Grand Palace.

Yep, that works for me.

[dominique355]

Usual Thai shortsightedness, there's big money to be made from F1, does anything else matter ?

Big money to be made? By whom? Certainly not Thailand, the government or BMA. Most Formula 1 events run a heavily deficit and can only survive with government subsidy. The only one who makes money is Bernie Ecclestone.

[VocalNeal]

Last I heard it was not F1 but Formula E. Formula E will go the same way as A1 GP.

Anyone living in Thailand wishing to see F1 can fly reasonably cheaply to KL pay a small amount and sit on the grass.

Those will money for grandstand tickets are going to go to KL already.

[Payboy]

Screaming racing cars and screaming race fans all within a few yards of Thailand's most sacred Buddhist temple and The Grand Palace.

Yep, that works for me.

I would need coyote dancing to complete the religious experience.

[GentlemanJim]

Last I heard it was not F1 but Formula E. Formula E will go the same way as A1 GP.

Anyone living in Thailand wishing to see F1 can fly reasonably cheaply to KL pay a small amount and sit on the grass.

Those will money for grandstand tickets are going to go to KL already.

The Formula E was something different.

I am unsure how this has even got this far without the backing of the BMA, I mean it is simply essential yet here they are saying 'we don't support this yet'. I also like this bit

Closure of roads will be inevitable to allow surface adjustments,

'adjustments' LMAO. How about having to dig the entire road system up to about one meter depth and lay again completely to one of the highest standards possible. The $225M to run the race is just scratching the surface (excuse the pun ) it will cost a whole lot more than that.

[GrantSmith]

Anyone living in Thailand wishing to see F1 can fly reasonably cheaply to KL pay a small amount and sit on the grass.

Those will money for grandstand tickets are going to go to KL already.

Those with money are more likely going to the Singapore event later in the season, expensive, face and all that...

Surprised The Nation ran a Ferrari picture in the article, bet the folks down at Red Bull will not be renewing their subscriptions

[apalink_thailand]

Sounds like someone or some group is not happy with his/their backsheesh. I wonder how many fiefdoms the route goes through?

[chooka]

Last I heard it was not F1 but Formula E. Formula E will go the same way as A1 GP.

Anyone living in Thailand wishing to see F1 can fly reasonably cheaply to KL pay a small amount and sit on the grass.

Those will money for grandstand tickets are going to go to KL already.

The Formula E was something different.

I am unsure how this has even got this far without the backing of the BMA, I mean it is simply essential yet here they are saying 'we don't support this yet'. I also like this bit

>Closure of roads will be inevitable to allow surface adjustments,

'adjustments' LMAO. How about having to dig the entire road system up to about one meter depth and lay again completely to one of the highest standards possible. The $225M to run the race is just scratching the surface (excuse the pun ) it will cost a whole lot more than that.

Agree Thailand has a mountain of work to do. The roads in this country are appalling and definately not up to the standard for a F1 race. They will probably just lay a couple of cms of ashphelt over the top and say, "Yea that looks good enough, should last a couple of days."

[Halion]

Will never happen. It is only the Thai arrogance for the stastus of having the race here that it driving their fervor.

They will fail for several reasons, intervention of special interest group giving irrational justification on the pro's and con's. Lack of any semblance of ability to develope and implement the required infrastructure needed. Complete lack of understanding as to the impact and enormity of the task and last but not least the inevitable Thai greed. Just more Thai hot air.

[drdoom6996]

It ain't gonna happen! 2015? They have to be joking!

+1 AGREED

[JetsetBkk]

It ain't gonna happen! 2015? They have to be joking!

+1 AGREED

+2 (?) AGREED.

Whatever happened to common sense here?

[Frank James]

This proposal is wrong on too many levels to even list. Malaysia, a country which is well set up for this type of auto-mania, is just a cheap AirAsia flight south, for those who dig this "sport".

[retell]

Last I heard it was not F1 but Formula E. Formula E will go the same way as A1 GP.

Anyone living in Thailand wishing to see F1 can fly reasonably cheaply to KL pay a small amount and sit on the grass.

Those will money for grandstand tickets are going to go to KL already.

The Formula E was something different.

I am unsure how this has even got this far without the backing of the BMA, I mean it is simply essential yet here they are saying 'we don't support this yet'. I also like this bit

>Closure of roads will be inevitable to allow surface adjustments,

'adjustments' LMAO. How about having to dig the entire road system up to about one meter depth and lay again completely to one of the highest standards possible. The $225M to run the race is just scratching the surface (excuse the pun ) it will cost a whole lot more than that.

like there is no space in thailand to built a track

[Morakot]

Screaming racing cars and screaming race fans all within a few yards of Thailand's most sacred Buddhist temple and The Grand Palace.

Yep, that works for me.

I would need coyote dancing to complete the religious experience.

The sponsoring multi-national petrol company has already agreed to the "Pimp My Ride" theme.

[lee b]

Surely they would not allow a F1 circuit to be built so close tto these places??

[cbluck58]

Screaming racing cars and screaming race fans all within a few yards of Thailand's most sacred Buddhist temple and The Grand Palace.

Yep, that works for me.

Not to mention it will likely be the only F1 event ever held with hookers on every corner - it works for me...

[kimamey]

Stupid idea. A much better one would be to hold it in my area in Isaan. That way we might get some of the crumbling roads fixed. By fixed I mean relaid not filled to a level way above the surrounding road and left for the traffic to bed it down.

[Litlos]

I see 3G all over again. As soon as an announcement is made everyone not directly paid off involved will be straight down to the courthouse and file for it to be stopped, moved, not moved, guaranteed Som Tam concession stand etc etc.

Was out having a beer the other night and watching F1 on the TV. The girls were all excited that F1 is coming to Thailand in 2014, no way I said maybe Formula E, maybe F1 in 2015. No problem as long as lots of rich drivers, owners or tourists come to Soi Nana. Good thing I did not have a mouthful of beer as I started laughing so hard. I had to explain that for the teams it is a job and they probably do no go in for bar socialising before racing. Made my night though.

Cheers