Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue will be closed next Saturday - not for planned demonstrations by the red or yellow shirts, but for an exhibition of Formula One driving.
Although only a show for F1 world champion team Red Bull Racing, co-organiser Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is confident it will be an adrenaline-pumping event for motor sports fans.
The event, the first of its kind in the capital, will give Bangkokians the chance of a glimpse of an expensive race car in their own city, said Deputy Bangkok Governor Taya Teepsuwan.
The idea of turning Ratchadamnoen Avenue into a race track is not new. Prince Birabongse Bhanudej Bhanuban - better known as Prince Bira - planned to close roads in the Sanam Luang and Ratchadamnoen area in 1939 for a "Bangkok Grand Prix".
But Prince Bira's dream was dashed when World War II broke out.
Saturday's show is part of City Hall's efforts to help realise the late Prince Bira's dream, Ms Taya said.
More than 10,000 people are expected to book their places along the sides of Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue to see Red Bull racer Mark Webber drive his RB26 car on the 107-year-old road.
The three-lap course will get under way at Phan Fa Bridge, pass Democracy Monument and circle at Khok Wua intersection where the race will also finish.
Red Bull Beverage Co executive Chalerm Yoovidhya told a news conference last week the event was aimed at celebrating His Majesty the King's 83rd birthday and also to commemorate Prince Bira.
"Red Bull cars have been on show in several places and cities around the world - from a frozen lake in Canada to a beach in the Dominican Republic," he said.
"It's time for another special show on the historic street of Ratchadamnoen."
Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue will be closed from 2pm to 3.30pm with a considerable number of security officers at the event.
Read the full article at Bangkok Post.
Ed. 10,000 people for 5 secs entertainment.
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