"Bike for Dad" event prepared overseas

BANGKOK, November 26 (TNA) - Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai has held a meeting with a committee tasked with the "Bike for Dad" event overseas. Thai Foreign Ministry Spokesman Sek Wannamethee told journalists of the information on Thursday, saying that the "Bike for Dad" event, set on December 11, will be organised both in Thailand and overseas to celebrate the 88th birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, which falls on December 5, 2015. The spokesman said the meeting discussed activities which will be held as part of the "Bike for Dad" event, to be organised in 66 cities overseas, while celebrations for His Majesty's birthday will be held in 17 overseas cities. So far, the spokesman stated, 9,805 persons have registered to participate in the upcoming mass cycling event overseas, dividing into three groups, with the first group including Canberra and Tokyo, where activities will be held before Thailand. The second group consists of member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), China and India, where activities will be organised on the same daywith Thailand and the last group comprises the Middle East, European and American regions, where activities will be held after Thailand. Besides, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has cooperated with the Royal Thai Armed Forces in organising a related international cycling prgramme, in which 199 Thai diplomats and senior officials will participate. A three-day exhibition, starting on December 11, displaying His Majesty the King’ s royal projects will also be organised at Bangkok’s Sanam Suapa. Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Prachachart Sirisawas, Deputy Director-Deneral of the Directorate of Joint Civil Affairs, under the Royal Thai Armed Forces, told a press conference that the Thai military is ready to present souvenirs, bestowed by His Royal Higness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, to participants of the "Bike for Dad 2015" at Bangkok's National Stadium during November 28-29. The Thai Tourism and Sports Ministry has, on the other hand, invited the general public to join a photo contest on the "Bike For Dad 2015" event, in which the winner will be awarded with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn Royal Plaque. (TNA)