Bangkok F1 Race Bid Advances, Final Approval Needed

Thailand's cabinet has approved a $1.2 billion (40 billion baht) bid to host a Formula One street race in Bangkok from 2028 to 2032, with the proposed circuit planned to run through areas such as Chatuchak park and Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station. The government expects the event to generate up to $600 million in economic benefits and aims for it to be sustainable and to break even within a year. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong have both engaged F1 chief Stefano Domenicali, and a feasibility study for the street circuit is underway. If successful, Thailand would join the F1 calendar, which already includes four Asia-Pacific rounds, such as the Singapore Grand Prix. The project still requires approval from Formula One's governing body before it can be officially added to the schedule. Officials see the race as a key initiative to boost tourism and enhance Thailand's status as a global events hub.