A night race around the streets of Bangkok is one step closer to becoming a reality after the government approved circuit plans for a Grand Prix of Thailand in 2015.

The proposed circuit is 5.995km in length and will be based around the Royal Thai Naval Dockyard. The starting grid will be on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Plans for floating grandstands which will allow spectators to enjoy close-up action despite being so close to the water, are also under discussion.

Officials are keen to use the race to showcase the city and the route would include tourist attractions like the Grand Palace, Temple of Dawn and the Victory Monument.

Kanokphand Chulakasem, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand told the Bangkok Post, “As the starting and finishing point would be on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, we may be able to build the main stands in the river. It would also be convenient for transportation of equipment. Only a small group of residents would be affected by the proposed route.”

Photo:By Alter (Own work) [GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0 or CC-BY-SA-2.5-2.0-1.0], via Wikimedia Commons