Thailand moves forward with bid to host F1 from 2028–2032

Bangkok (NNT/VNA) - The Thai Cabinet has approved in principle the country’s bid to host the FIA Formula One World Championship for five years, from 2028 to 2032.

The decision, made on June 17, follows feasibility studies by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. A final budget proposal will be prepared in line with guidance from the Budget Bureau and submitted for Cabinet approval.

The proposed venue is located in the Chatuchak area of Bangkok, featuring eight public sites, including Krungthep Aphiwat Central Terminal and several nearby parks. The annual three-day event, expected to take place in either March or September, would feature over 93,000 grandstand seats, a 4,000-seat paddock club, and multiple fan zones. Transportation access would rely on the MRT, BTS, SRT, and bus lines, with coordinated entry routes to facilitate crowd control and management.

Attendance is projected to reach approximately 300,000 people annually, with 30 percent expected to be international visitors. The event could generate 16 billion baht in annual circulation, create 14 billion baht in added economic value, and support approximately 8,000 jobs. Annual tax revenue is estimated at 1.4 billion baht, with about 7 billion THB in new investment each year.

The plan includes smart infrastructure upgrades and promotional efforts to boost tourism and showcase Thai culture, food, music, and arts, while inspiring interest in motorsports and STEM fields among youth.

Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong will lead the working group responsible for moving the bid forward in coordination with Formula One Group and TCEB. The total proposed budget is capped at 40 billion baht across the five-year period./.

VNA