Prime minister paetongtarn shinawatra

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra: Williams driver Alex Albon says plans for a Formula 1 race in Thailand are well advanced, but there is uncertainty following the change in government. London-born Albon, who races under the Thai flag, has been involved in discussions around a potential Thai Grand Prix around the streets of the capital, Bangkok, including meetings with senior officials and the Sports Authority of Thailand.

"I've had a few meetings with the now ex-prime minister," Albon told Xinhua during the Chinese Grand Prix weekend. "The Sports Authority of Thailand is a big part of getting this underway, and there's a huge Thai tourism incentive as well."

Under former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand had shown interest in bringing F1 to the country as part of a broader push to boost high-value tourism and global visibility. However, Paetongtarn was removed from her position in August 2025.