BANGKOK, 7 June 2013 The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has admitted considering relocating the Formula 1 race, scheduled to be held in Bangkok in 2015, to Phuket, due to strong opposition from the Bangkok residents.
Tourism and Sports Minister Somsak Phureesrisak said that communities living on the Rattanakosin Island reacted strongly to the race plan, voicing their concerns that the area is the heart of historical Bangkok and houses irreplaceable landmarks, such as the Grand Palace and the Democracy Monument.
Upon receiving local complaints, the Sports Authority of Thailand is considering the Government Complex on Chaeng Wattana Road and IMPACT Muang Thong Thani as other possible venues.
Phuket is also an attractive option as the province can accommodate nearly 100,000 spectators and has a large international airport.
Mr Somsak concluded that if the International Automobile Federation, which is overseeing the event, disagrees with the relocation plan, Thailand may need to postpone the race until further notice.
