12 hours ago
With bid greenlit, Thailand revs in F1 pole position
Ever since whispers began about Thailand becoming the next host of the world's premier motorsport, momentum has been building at full throttle. Now, following Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's headline-grabbing appearance at Circuit de Monaco, that dream is gaining serious traction. With the Thai cabinet approving a B40 billion bid to host a Grand Prix in Bangkok, the chequered flag is now one step closer.
According to Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, the high-octane bid would secure the country's spot on the F1 world stage for five action-packed years from when it comes to where the rubber will meet the road, government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub revealed that the race is set to take place in and around Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. The 5.7 km street circuit will wind from Chatuchak Park to the terminal, with additional sections running through the Mo Chit 2 bus terminal, Chatuchak Market area, Queen Sirikit Park and the PTT Plc headquarters.
Hosting the event would require the entire area to be shut down for five days each year to allow for race preparations. While that may cause temporary disruptions for nearby residents, the government is confident the economic payoff would be well worth it, with officials estimating the event could break even within its first year.
While the 24-race calendar is locked in years ahead, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has hinted that shake-ups are coming and the kingdom is racing up the ranks as a serious contender for a coveted spot on the grid.
Right now, Singapore is the only Southeast Asian nation on the global racing map. Each year, the Singapore Grand Prix ignites the city with three adrenaline-charged days packed with high-speed practice runs, nail-biting qualifying and race-day drama. But this event is more than just a race. It's a worldwide spectacle that turbocharges tourism, floods the spotlight on the host city and delivers massive economic windfalls. For Thailand, joining this elite calendar isn't just a dream; it's a shot to claim pole position and roar into the global spotlight like never before.
