Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has indicated promising developments regarding Thailand’s efforts to host a Formula 1 street circuit race. The PM met with Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula One Group, during the Monaco Grand Prix to discuss the possibility of bringing an F1 race to Thailand. The meeting took place at 4:30 pm local time (9:30 pm Thai time) at the Monaco circuit, where she also toured the track and observed F1 practice sessions.
Following the discussion, the PM shared on her X account around 11:50 pm Thai time that the meeting marked a significant step forward and was good news for Thailand. She highlighted that tourism is a vital part of the economy and emphasized the government’s plans to diversify tourism offerings by investing in “Man Made Destinations” to host premier global events like F1.
Hosting an F1 race in Thailand would stimulate major investments, including upgrades to road infrastructure, construction of grandstands and paddocks, and enhancements to electronic and digital facilities. These developments are expected to generate substantial employment opportunities.
Ms. Paetongtarn also updated Mr. Domenicali on Thai agencies’ efforts to assess the necessary conditions, constraints, and opportunities for hosting the event. The discussions covered site feasibility and broader collaborations between F1 and the Thai government.
During her time at the Monaco circuit, the Prime Minister also met with Thai drivers Alex Albon and Tanapol Inthrapuvasak. Both expressed their willingness to return to Thailand to promote motorsport, raise its profile, and help develop future Thai F1 drivers.
In March 2025, Domenicali visited Thailand and met with Ms. Paetongtarn, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, and Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong. This visit followed initial discussions initiated by former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin in 2024. Both the government and F1 officials have explored potential race locations, including land near U-Tapao Airport.
Domenicali emphasized that hosting an F1 race would bring numerous benefits, especially to the economy and tourism sector. With a strong motorsport fan base in Thailand, the country could capitalize on the popularity of well-known drivers to promote related activities. F1’s involvement could also encourage visitors to extend their stays in Thailand.
F1 plans to cooperate closely with the Thai government to evaluate the project’s feasibility and ensure a memorable experience for global motorsport fans.
Meanwhile, government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap reported that over 13 million tourists visited Thailand between January and May 14, generating more than 600 billion baht in revenue. Tourists from Europe and Russia have shown high spending, particularly in health and wellness tourism. The government remains optimistic that total visitors will surpass 35 million by year’s end, noting that tourism revenues have already exceeded 600 billion baht in the first four and a half months.
