The following is a dispatch from Rob Cotter, a frequent One+ contributor, who is attending the IT&CMA conference in Bangkok, Thailand.

Having already submitted their bid for the historic city of Ayutthaya to host EXPO 2020—after the Olympic Games and the FIFA Soccer World Cup—Thailandʼs CEB have flexed their muscle further in announcing that they are seeking a slot on the Formula 1 circuit in the coming years.

“In 1939, Thailand was ready to be the first South-East Asian country to be included in the Formula 1 circuit, but it was cancelled because of the Second World War,” said Akapol Sorasuchart, president of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). “The Bangkok Grand Prix Circuit is there but was never used.”

The 6.46 km city circuit has received support from F1 executives, and there is general consensus that it will soon become part of the circuit as other destinations drop out. The track takes it through Bangkokʼs "Street of the King," a tree-lined avenue, and past many of Bangkokʼs main sights. Sorasuchart believes it will be “the most beautiful circuit in the world.”

Should they be successful in their EXPO 2020 bid and soon hear the roar of F1 engines through Bangkokʼs streets, Thailand will have to demonstrate some serious horse-power in the event hosting arena.

—Rob Cotter