Prince leads record bike ride

Almost 295,000 people registered in advance for the “Bike For Mom” event, consisting of 40,000 in Bangkok and 254,863 in the provinces, but the actual number of participants nationwide was higher, estimated at between 300,000 and 400,000. 

According to Guinness World Records, the event had around 146,000 “eligible” cyclists – riding at the same time – so it |more than doubled the previous record set in Taiwan with about 70,000 participants.

In Bangkok, the Crown Prince presided over the opening ceremony at 3pm at the Royal Plaza. After blaring a horn to start the event, he and his daughter HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha led the procession to the 11th Infantry Regiment in Bang Khen and returned to the starting point to complete the 43-kilometre route.

The other provinces held the event with varying routes and participants from all walks of life to express their loyalty to HM the Queen and the Royal Family.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and several Cabinet members joined the event, with the premier gesturing “I love you” with his hands at the starting point. 

Deputy premiers Wissanu Krea-ngam, MR Pridiyathorn Devakula, Yongyuth Yutthawong, Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda, Justice Minister Paiboon Koomchaya and PM’s Office Minister Suwaphan Tanyuvadhana were among the participants. Members of the Democrat, Pheu Thai and other political parties such as former PM Abhisit Vejjajiva also took part.

According to Guinness World Records, participants had to follow the rules to be counted, meaning they had to leave the starting point at the same time nationwide and had to bike continuously for a minimum of four kilometres.

“His Majesty the King and the Royal Family have greatly supported us scouts, so we want to express our gratitude to them” said Village Scouts director Pol General Somsak Khwaengsopa, who wanted to |complete the full course in Bangkok.

“Forty three kilometres is nothing to me, actually,” said a vigorous 82-year-old Ruenkham Saen-in, who regularly travels from her northern hometown of Uttaradit to film a television programme in Bangkok.

“I’ve been riding a bicycle since I was 10, and nowadays I normally cycle about 28 kilometres a day. So riding this far in Bangkok is a piece of cake, compared with tougher paths in my village,” she said.

But when asked to speak of the Queen, Ruenkham became emotional. “I’m so overwhelmed that I can’t express it in words,” she said.

Many children joined the event like a first-grade girl who had a pink bicycle adorned with the Queen’s image and a |message that read: “Long Live the Queen”.

“She saw TV ads and was tempted to come to the event,” her grandmother explained while other cyclists helped the girl change a flat tyre.

“I can’t join the rallies because of my knee condition. But I’m still bringing my son today to see the Crown Prince and the Princess. This is a rare occasion,” said a mother. 

Her son Tehapreud Weerawat said: “I’m excited to see them. And as a son, I will pay attention on my studies as a gift to my mother.”

Military officers were also seen at the event, but in blue shirts and bicycle gears instead of their usual, formal attire.

“The Royal Thai Air Force encourages its officers to cycle to work once a week, so this event really fits our agenda.” said First Lieutenant Pratya Kaewpanna.

“This cycling event encouraged us to show our unity, something that our country may seem to be lacking. But we can actually make it, as you can see today,” he added.

“We have been enthusiastic about the event; we rehearsed it five times,” said an Army officer. “Not only the Army, every Thai person can express their gratitude in their own ways.”

Even foreign riders joined the event.

“I’m joining it because the roads today are great for biking, and I love biking to benefit my health,” an American said. “It’s also a great picture to see lots of people wishing to support the monarchy.

“I would like to get a themed blue shirt with the event’s logo. Unfortunately, the registration website was all in Thai and I couldn’t read it. That’s why I came with my own dark blue shirt today.”