21-4-2024 (BANGKOK) Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to hold talks with Formula One Group executives on Monday, exploring the tantalizing prospect of bringing the prestigious F1 racing spectacle to the streets of Bangkok.
According to government spokesman Chai Watcharong, Srettha will meet with Stefano Domenicali, the chief executive of the Formula One Group, at Government House to discuss the feasibility of hosting a Formula One race in Thailand’s bustling capital.
Speaking to the Thansettakij newspaper, Chai revealed that the Formula One Group has expressed keen interest in bringing the high-octane event to the Kingdom, with the races potentially taking place either on a dedicated racetrack or, more intriguingly, on public roads.
“Essentially, if F1 were to be held in Thailand, our preference would be to stage it on the streets – ideally on Ratchadamnoen Avenue around the Rattanakosin Island area, if possible,” Chai stated. “We are currently working on the matter.”
The spokesman highlighted that hosting such a prestigious event on the streets of the historic Rattanakosin Island would showcase Thailand’s cultural splendor to a global audience, aligning perfectly with Prime Minister Srettha’s “Ignite Thailand Tourism” vision.
Chai added that the government hopes to bring the racing spectacle to fruition by the end of this year, should negotiations prove successful.
Earlier, the ruling Pheu Thai Party took to the social media platform X, revealing that Srettha had held an online meeting with Domenicali during his recent trip to France, where the Formula One organizer expressed a keen interest in Thailand as a potential host for the competition.
The Prime Minister is confident that hosting such a high-profile event would attract a significant influx of tourists to the Kingdom, further bolstering the nation’s vital tourism industry.
