Latest news with #SorawongThienthong
Time Out
a day ago
- Time Out
Thailand earns top-tier U.S. travel safety status
It's no secret that Thailand is a global favourite. Every year, travellers from around the world flock here for the rich culture, mouthwatering food and famously warm hospitality. But while the country has always been a dream destination, security can still be top of mind for many. The good news? The kingdom just got a major upgrade – our travel safety rating has officially reached the highest level. According to an announcement by Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong and Deputy Government Spokeswoman Sasikarn Watthanacha, the U.S. Department of State has elevated the nation to level one: 'Exercise Normal Precautions' in its latest travel advisory. The U.S. Travel Advisory system ranks places on a scale from one to four, based on assessed safety and security risks for American citizens. A level one rating is the lowest on the scale, indicating no significant threats or widespread concerns. While all international travel involves some degree of risk, this designation means travellers can explore with standard precautions in mind. Previously, the kingdom had been listed at level two: 'Exercise Increased Caution'. This recent upgrade now places us in the same tier as Canada, Australia, Singapore and Japan. Major tourist spots like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Pattaya are all included in the level one category. However, some southern provinces – including Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and parts of Songkhla – remain under a heightened advisory due to ongoing civil unrest. This latest safety ranking reflects Thailand's ongoing efforts to create a secure and welcoming environment for international visitors. When it comes to hospitality, locals have long been known for their warmth – and now, the world has one more reason to visit with confidence.
Time Out
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Time Out
With bid greenlit, Thailand revs in F1 pole position
Ever since whispers began about Thailand becoming the next host of the world's premier motorsport, momentum has been building at full throttle. Now, following Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's headline-grabbing appearance at Circuit de Monaco, that dream is gaining serious traction. With the Thai cabinet approving a B40 billion bid to host a Grand Prix in Bangkok, the chequered flag is now one step closer. According to Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, the high-octane bid would secure the country's spot on the F1 world stage for five action-packed years from when it comes to where the rubber will meet the road, government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub revealed that the race is set to take place in and around Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. The 5.7 km street circuit will wind from Chatuchak Park to the terminal, with additional sections running through the Mo Chit 2 bus terminal, Chatuchak Market area, Queen Sirikit Park and the PTT Plc headquarters. Hosting the event would require the entire area to be shut down for five days each year to allow for race preparations. While that may cause temporary disruptions for nearby residents, the government is confident the economic payoff would be well worth it, with officials estimating the event could break even within its first year. While the 24-race calendar is locked in years ahead, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has hinted that shake-ups are coming and the kingdom is racing up the ranks as a serious contender for a coveted spot on the grid. Right now, Singapore is the only Southeast Asian nation on the global racing map. Each year, the Singapore Grand Prix ignites the city with three adrenaline-charged days packed with high-speed practice runs, nail-biting qualifying and race-day drama. But this event is more than just a race. It's a worldwide spectacle that turbocharges tourism, floods the spotlight on the host city and delivers massive economic windfalls. For Thailand, joining this elite calendar isn't just a dream; it's a shot to claim pole position and roar into the global spotlight like never before.
Daily Tribune
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Tribune
Thailand Sets Sights on 2028 Formula 1 Grand Prix with $1.2 Billion Bangkok Bid
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.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Thailand confirms $1.2billion bid to bring F1 to Bangkok
Thailand has moved another step closer to bringing a Formula 1 grand prix to the streets of Bangkok after its cabinet approved a bid during a meeting on Tuesday. The plan would see F1 welcome Thailand onto its calendar from 2028 on an initial five-year contract, with $1.2billion now agreed to be set aside for the bid. Advertisement The news was announced during a press conference in which tourism minister Sorawong Thienthong mentioned the 11-figure sum that had been approved - meaning a race in Thailand looks more likely than ever. Earlier this season, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali visited Bangkok to discuss the potential of racing in the capital, while Willams' Thai driver Alex Albon has subsequently spent time with the prime minister. Following in the footsteps of Domenicali, Albon held talks with Paetongtarn Shinawatra before heading to April's Japanese Grand Prix and was impressed by what he saw from the current designs. 'It's moving along, obviously nothing's finalised but it's really good to see the commitment from Thailand,' Albon said at the time of his visit. Alex Albon, Williams Alex Albon, Williams 'They're taking it very seriously. And I think as a product, they have a very strong product. If you see the projects…If you see how serious they are. Advertisement 'I've seen a generic look at what they're trying to do with it. And yeah, it looks good, I don't think I can say [much more]. So I'd rather stay quiet on it. Again, I don't want to say too much but I'm following a lot of interesting events.' Thailand officials are keen to land an F1 race given the revenue that comes from staging a round of the world championship and it has been reported that the government has a memorandum of understanding in place with F1. It remains to be seen how and where a Thailand Grand Prix would fit on the current F1 calendar, which already holds 24 rounds, a number Domenicali has suggested the series does not want to top despite there being space for one more grand prix within the current regulations. But with various European rounds set to go on rotation in the coming years, there is likely to be a gap to slot in the Bangkok race, which would also herald a return of F1 to south east Asia for the first time since the Malaysian Grand Prix, last held in 2017. To read more articles visit our website.
Asharq Al-Awsat
3 days ago
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Thai Cabinet Approves $1.2 Bln Bid to Host Formula 1 Race in 2028
Thailand's cabinet has approved a $1.2 billion bid to host a Formula One street race in its capital Bangkok in 2028, government officials said on Tuesday. If successful, the Thai capital would win a contract to host a race each year from 2028 to 2032, government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub told a news conference. "In the next 2-3 years, Thailand will have world-class competition, which we never thought would actually happen in Thailand," Jirayu said. Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong told reporters the bid is worth about 40 billion baht ($1.23 billion). In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula One chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028. Hosting the race will help promote tourism, a key driver of Thailand's economy, the government has said. Formula One already has a crowded schedule of 24 races around the world with four in the Asia-Pacific region, including the Singapore Grand Prix in Southeast Asia. Thailand has an FIA-accredited track in Buriram in the northeast of the country, which currently hosts a round of the MotoGP motorcycling world championships, but the proposal is for a street race in the kingdom's capital.
