Bangkok has been awash with blue T-shirts bearing the slogan “Bike for Mom” since her 83rd birthday last Wednesday – blue is the official colour of the Queen. He was followed by other prominent personalities including Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and his cabinet ministers.
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Nearly 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. “The event will also showcase to the world how devoted Thais are to their queen”, Prayuth said.
Many Thais are anxious about what happens after the death of 86-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest-reigning monarch, whose health is very frail. Members of the Democrat, Pheu Thai and other political parties such as former premier Abhisit Vejjajiva also took part in the event.
Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, 63, headed the first group of cyclists at the “Bike for Mom” event in the capital’s historic quarter – a celebration of the role played by HM the Queen in developing community services across the nation.
Man with the Bike for Mom logo shaved into his hair.
The event also taps into recent public interest in cycling as a hobby and the Crown Prince was dressed suitably for the recent craze.
The Associated Press said, “Sunday’s bike ride was an apparent effort to rehabilitate the image of the crown prince, who is usually seen at formal events and rarely mingles with the public”.
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It was an historical day to unite the people across the country, which is still divided over last year’s military coup.
