People across the country are eager to join the Un Ai Rak cycling event initiated by His Majesty the King.
On Monday morning, residents were queueing up at provincial halls and district offices to be among the first to register for the event on the first day of registration. Bangkok's district offices were thronged with would-be participants.
"I personally would like all the people to come out to show their loyalty to the King," said San Eksawai, 80, who pedalled 20 kilometres from his house to wait for registration at the provincial hall in Nakhon Si Thammarat province.
Mr San had already joined the Bike for Dad and Bike for Mom projects, also created by His Majesty, and said he was looking forward to a third challenge.
Pornpoj Petpas, a deputy permanent secretary for interior affairs, said more than 15,000 people had registered for the event in provinces by mid-day. Chon Buri topped the registration count with 925, followed by Narathiwat, Phetchabun, Nakhon Ratchasima and Phatthalung. The rankings could change as more participants sign up. The number for Bangkok has yet to be released.
Nakhon Ratchasima governor Wichien Chantharanothai expected at least 15,000 people to turn up for the cycling day in the province.
San Eksawai, 80, pedalled 20 kilometres to register for the Un Ai Rak cycling trip at the provincial hall in Nakhon Si Thammarat province on Monday. (Photo by Nucharee Raekrun)
The Bike for Dad cycling campaign in 2015 drew almost 500,000 cyclists.
The Un Ai Rak cycling trip will take place on Dec 9 in all provinces. The King will lead the event by pedalling from the Royal Plaza to Lad Pho Park in Phra Pradaeng district of Samut Prakan province. The round trip totals 39 kilometres.
A new website, bikeunairak2018, allows online registration and also shows the cycling routes, with varying distances, in all provinces.
With 19 days to go, more than 100,000 people have already visited the website.