BANGKOK, THAILAND – Authorities outlined detailed plans for a Formula 1 street circuit in the Chatuchak district, aiming to host races from 2028.
Route through Bangkok’s Chatuchak district
The proposed circuit would be 5.732 kilometres long and run clockwise through the heart of Chatuchak. Plans included eight prominent locations along the route. Key sites named were Krungthep Aphiwat railway station, the Mo Chit bus terminal and the world‑famous Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Parks and paddock in the urban layout
Three major parks – Chatuchak Park, Queen Sirikit Park and Vachirabenjatas Park – were set to form part of the high‑speed backdrop. Behind the Mo Chit bus terminal, planners earmarked space for the pit lane and paddock complex. According to the project team, the track design was intended to deliver intense wheel‑to‑wheel racing.
“A mix of long straights, tight corners and technical sections.”
said the planners, who noted that the layout was meant to evoke other popular city circuits such as Singapore or Monaco. The race was being considered either as a season‑opening highlight in March or as a late‑season event in September near the timing of the Singapore Grand Prix.
Severe traffic impact and partial park closures
Officials acknowledged that the event would have massive impacts on traffic and local residents. Major roads including Kamphaeng Phet Road and Phahonyothin Road would need to be partially closed. Authorities also stated that popular parks along the route would be partly off‑limits during construction phases.
“Each construction phase could last one to two years,”
said the Sport Authority, warning of extended disruption to daily life. While Chatuchak Market was expected to remain open, officials conceded that traders and visitors would inevitably face restrictions.
Public consultation and long‑term motorsport ambitions
Before moving ahead, the government launched an online survey to gauge public opinion. The planned Formula 1 event was initially scheduled for a five‑year run from 2028 to 2032, presented as a clear statement of Thailand’s ambitions in top‑tier international sport. In parallel, it was announced that Thailand had extended its MotoGP hosting rights with a multi‑billion‑baht budget until 2031.
Uncertain approval and debate over risks
The project still required final approval from all stakeholders, and nothing had been formally confirmed. Enthusiasm among motorsport fans was already described as strong, with supporters seeing the plan as a chance for Thailand to secure a place in the pinnacle of motor racing. At the same time, the report raised the question of whether years of construction, road closures and park restrictions were justified for just five years of Formula 1, asking whether the city should go full throttle or hit the brakes on the prestigious but disruptive venture.