Thailand Sets Sights on 2028 Formula 1 Grand Prix with $1.2 Billion Bangkok Bid

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Thailand’s cabinet has given the green light to a bold $1.2 billion bid to host a Formula One Grand Prix in Bangkok starting in 2028, marking a major push to bring the world’s most prestigious motorsport event to Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy.

If approved by Formula 1 management, the deal would see Thailand host an annual race in the capital through 2032, adding another marquee event to the sport’s already packed global calendar.

Street Racing in the Heart of Bangkok

The proposal is for a street circuit in Bangkok — a high-stakes logistical and infrastructural undertaking that aims to emulate the glitz and allure of races like Monaco and Singapore. The government has made clear that this isn’t just about racing, but about showcasing Thailand on the global stage.

“In the next two to three years, Thailand will have world-class competition, which we never thought would actually happen here,” said government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub in a news conference on Tuesday. Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong confirmed the bid is valued at approximately 40 billion baht ($1.23 billion).

Long-Term Vision for Tourism

For Thailand, hosting a Formula 1 race fits neatly into its strategy to revitalize tourism, which remains one of the country’s most important economic sectors. A Bangkok Grand Prix would generate global media exposure, draw tens of thousands of international fans, and position the capital as a high-end destination for sports and entertainment.

This announcement follows a March meeting between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, after which Thailand commissioned a feasibility study into organizing a street race beginning in 2028.

Competition on a Crowded Grid

If successful, Thailand would join an increasingly crowded Formula One calendar that currently features 24 races, with four already in the Asia-Pacific region — including a night race in nearby Singapore.

While Thailand has an FIA-accredited circuit in Buriram, which hosts MotoGP events, the government is aiming higher with a Bangkok-based event that puts the urban setting front and center. It’s a move that mirrors the global trend in F1 toward street circuits that blend sport with cityscape spectacle.

Next Steps 

The Thai government’s approval is just the beginning. The final decision rests with Formula One’s commercial rights holders and governing bodies. A Bangkok Grand Prix would require detailed logistical planning, infrastructure development, and close coordination with city authorities to ensure the urban race meets international standards.

Still, the cabinet’s unanimous backing signals Thailand’s intent: to be more than just a tourist haven — to become a global stage for elite sport.

If it crosses the finish line, Bangkok 2028 could mark a turning point in Southeast Asia’s presence in the Formula 1 world.