His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will lead a convoy of cyclists on a 43-kilometre ride in Bangkok on Aug 16 in honour of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s 83rd birthday, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said Thursday.
The "Bike For Mom" event will be held simultaneously in other provinces and expected to draw hundreds of thousands of well-wishers and cycling enthusiasts.
It was announced on Thursday at a press conference attended by Gen Prayut and Thanpuying Jarungjit Teekara, HM the Queen's Private Secretary.
On Aug 16, the Crown Prince will lead a convoy of cyclists from the public sector and national administrators on his bike at 3pm from the Royal Plaza near Government House to the 11th Infantry Regiment (Royal Guard) on Phahon Yothin Road in Bang Khen district and return.
Cyclists in other province will start their trips simultaneously from provincial halls.
"I believe it will be an important moment where Thais combine their hearts into one as fellow countrymen and to express loyalty," Gen Prayut said.
Gen Prayut invited members of the public to take part in the event to celebrate the Aug 12 birthday of HM the Queen and welcome the Crown Prince.
Members of the cabinet, National Council for Peace and Order, National Reform Council, National Legislative Assembly and Constitution Drafting Committee will also join the ride.
The prime minister urged participants to wear blue outfits which symbolise the queen's birthday. However, they are allowed to wear any colour if they do not have blue.
Gen Prayut said both HM the Queen and the Crown Prince supported bike riding and exercise and were concerned about their safety.
The Crown Prince was interested in cycling himself and stressed that the government must provide both facilities and safety conditions for riders.
Gen Prayut said the prince instructed authorities to ensure safety for all bikers in the Aug 16 activity and prepare to change schedules if it rains on that day.
The Crown Prince has used his personal budget to arrange 90,000 blue shirts, 500,000 water bottles and 100,000 badges for all participants for free.
People in Bangkok can collect the items on July 25-26 at the Royal Thai Army Stadium while those outside the capital can pick them up at provincial halls on Aug 12, Mother's Day.
Interested persons can register here or at 50 district offices in Bangkok and provincial halls in other provinces from today until July 24.
People in Bangkok can collect the items on July 25-26 at Army Stadium while those outside the capital can pick them up at provincial halls in their towns on Aug 12, Mother's Day.
A military source said Gen Prayut and leaders of the armed forces would practice bike riding and exercise to prepare themselves for the 43km ride.