Thailand is taking a bold step onto the global motorsport stage, officially preparing a bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2028 with plans for a high-octane street race through the bustling capital of Bangkok.

According to government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub, the initiative is being led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who recently met with Formula 1 officials during the Monaco Grand Prix. The discussions were said to be positively received by the F1 leadership, including CEO Stefano Domenicali, signaling promising momentum for Thailand’s ambitions.

A formal bid, complete with a feasibility study, is expected to be submitted to the Thai Cabinet for approval on Wednesday, 4 June.

Talks about bringing Formula 1 to Thailand have been ongoing for more than a year. The government now appears ready to move forward, with a clear focus on making the event both spectacular and sustainable. Officials are exploring ways to incorporate green technologies and eco-friendly initiatives into the race setup, aligning with broader efforts to position Thailand as a hub for tourism and innovation.

The potential economic impact is significant. According to reports by AFP, hosting the race could generate up to USD600 million (approximately RM2.54 billion) in economic benefits, providing a major boost to Thailand’s economy and international standing.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn has expressed her commitment to the project, stating that Thailand views the Formula 1 Grand Prix as a strategic opportunity to strengthen its position as a leading destination for international tourism and world-class events.

“Thailand sees the opportunity to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in the future as a key initiative to elevate our profile as a hub for international tourism and global events,” she shared on social media following her trip to Monte Carlo.

The bid has already garnered support from Thai-British Formula 1 driver Alex Albon, who currently races for Williams. Albon noted that Thailand is taking the proposal very seriously and is presenting strong plans.

If approved, Bangkok would join the ranks of elite cities that host Formula 1 street circuits, including Monaco and Singapore. The Singapore Grand Prix is currently Southeast Asia’s only F1 venue and is known for its demanding track layout and intense weather conditions.

With Thailand accelerating its efforts and gaining international attention, the dream of seeing Formula 1 cars racing through the streets of Bangkok in 2028 may soon become a reality.

Tap here to give us a ‘Like’ on Facebook and stay up-to-date on the latest news!