Thailand bids to host F1 tournament 2014

BANGKOK, March 8 (TNA) - Deputy Prime Minister Chumpol Silapa-archa, who is Tourism and Sports Minister concurrently, says that the Thai government will seek the right to organize an F1 tournament in Thailand in 2014. Chumpol told journalists that he has assigned the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau and the Sports Authority of Thailand to play leading roles in the attempt, noting that many established Thailand-based firms are also joining the official attempt, including PTT Public Company Limited, Red Bull and trucking companies. Meanwhile, Tourism and Sports Ministry Spokesman Watchara Kannikar told reporters that Deputy Premier Chumpol is writing to Formula One Group chief executive officer (CEO) Bernie Ecclestone this week to inform him of the intention and to confirm that Thailand will host a car race, called the Race of Champions, at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok in November this year, as a preparatory event supporting the national attempt to host the F1 tournament 2014. The spokesman acknowledged his ministry has learned that the number of international visitors to Singapore soared by 300 per cent after the island state hosted an F1 event, and that the Formula One Group CEO is reportedly interested in holding such an event in Thailand. The F1 right holder wants Thailand to express clearly if the Kingdom wants to host an F1 event. At present, many countries share the same interest, including Venezuela and Argentina. Thai authorities have considered organizing an F1 event on Ratchadamnoen Avenue in Bangkok and the idea has been supported by executives of Red Bull Co. and Siam Winery Co. The organization of an F1 tournament will cost billions of baht without the construction of a new circuit. (TNA)