Thailand bids $1.2 billion to host Formula One race in Bangkok from 2028
BANGKOK: Thailand has officially entered the race to host a Formula One Grand Prix, with the country’s cabinet approving a $1.2 billion (40 billion baht) bid for a street race in the capital, Bangkok, starting in 2028. Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub announced on Tuesday that if successful, Bangkok would hold an annual race from 2028 to 2032.
“In the next 2-3 years, Thailand will have world-class competition, which we never thought would actually happen in Thailand,” Jirayu said at a press conference.
Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong emphasized the potential boost to the country’s tourism sector, a vital pillar of the Thai economy. The move follows a March meeting between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and F1 chief Stefano Domenicali, where plans for a feasibility study on a Bangkok street circuit were discussed.
If approved by Formula One, Bangkok would join a growing list of Asian cities hosting high-profile races, further raising Thailand’s global sporting profile.(Reuters)
