• Thailand is planning to host a Formula 1 street race in Bangkok, targeting 2028 as the launch year.
• Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced the government's commitment to a feasibility study for the event.
• The initiative aims to enhance infrastructure and attract high-end tourists to the capital.
• F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali praised the proposal, emphasizing its potential benefits.
• Thailand currently has an FIA-accredited racing track in Buriram, which hosts MotoGP events.

The Thai government is making strides towards hosting a Formula 1 street race in Bangkok by 2028, following discussions between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. During their meeting, the Prime Minister announced plans for a feasibility study to assess the opportunity for this high-profile event, which aims to boost the nation's tourism and infrastructure. Paetongtarn conveyed her belief that this venture would not only enhance Bangkok's infrastructure, plagued by heavy traffic, but also attract affluent tourists and create job opportunities.

The Prime Minister stated, "I believe that all Thai people will benefit from organizing this event, whether it is large-scale infrastructure investment, job creation, new income generation, and importing new technologies and innovations." She expressed confidence that hosting the race would be a significant opportunity for Thailand to showcase itself on a global platform. Reuters reported that the government plans to collaborate on a joint investment that would cover aspects such as the race route, budget, and potential benefits.

Domenicali echoed the sentiment, calling the plans "impressive" and anticipating further discussions regarding the project's future. Thailand's existing FIA-accredited track in Buriram, primarily utilized for MotoGP events, showcases the country's capacity for hosting racing events.

The Formula 1 circuit features a packed schedule of 24 races globally, including several in the Asia-Pacific region, such as the Singapore Grand Prix. The proposal for a Bangkok street race reflects Thailand's ambitions to establish itself within the international motorsport arena. For more details, refer to Channel News Asia.