The Thai government is pressing forward with the Formula One (F1) project, a vision set in motion by former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, with ambitions to host Thailand’s inaugural F1 race in Bangkok’s Chatuchak neighborhood.
F1 enthusiasts received a boost of optimism when former Prime Minister Srettha engaged with race organizers during his trip to France in March.
He vowed to turn the dream of hosting an F1 event into reality by 2028, with initial plans to stage the race near U-Tapao Airport in Rayong, energizing fans with the prospect of a premier racing event in Thailand.
Despite a change in administration, the Pheu Thai Party and current PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra have pledged to sustain all initiatives started by Srettha, benefiting Thai citizens, with the F1 project still actively pursued.
Isara News revealed earlier this week that a special committee convened to explore potential sites for the F1 race.
Discussion points at the meeting included potential locations such as:
– Bangkok: Ratchadamnoen Road, Chatuchak area, and near Bangkok Train Station (Hua Lamphong)
– Nonthaburi: close to the IMPACT Arena, Exhibition and Convention Centre, Muang Thong Thani
– Rayong: U-Tapao Airport
It was unanimously decided that the Chatuchak area would serve as the best venue for the race. The planned route would encompass roads around Chatuchak Park, Queen Sirikit Park, and Wachirabenchathat Park (Rot Fai Park), covering roughly 5 to 6 kilometers.
The committee noted that the Chatuchak location was ideal because hosting the F1 race in a city setting would draw more visitors.
The next steps include finalizing the route and submitting it to the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the governing body of F1, for evaluation of its feasibility and appropriateness.
While the proposal is under review, the government intends to hire specialists from Chulalongkorn University to study the potential route and event logistics. There is optimism for the race to potentially occur as soon as 2027.
