Thailand set to welcome International and Local Cyclists for Annual Charity Bicycle Ride - ‘SangSom Tour de Thailand 2006’

The ‘SangSom Tour de Thailand 2006’, an annual international charity bicycle ride, will take place in Thailand from December 2nd – 28th. The ride will be from Chiang Mai to Phuket to help raise funds for The Max Foundation, a US-registered charity operating worldwide and helping Thai people living with Leukemia and other Blood Related Cancers, and for the Foundation for the Blind in Thailand Under the Royal Patronage of H.M. the Queen.

‘SangSom Tour de Thailand 2006’, being the 4th year of this international charity bike ride, is expected to attract over 200 foreign and local cyclists for tjhe 2000-kilometer journey to help a good cause and experience the country’s beautiful countryside, sights and culture of Thailand. During the 27-day journey, TAT will host special welcome receptions with cultural shows and culinary demonstrations and the joy of Thai life as the route will pass through 26 unique tourist attractions in 16 provinces where 4 provinces have been selected to organize special activities in cooperation with the TAT for the participants in Chiang Mai, then Sukhothai, Ayuthaya, and finally, on December 28, at the cyclists’ finishing point on Phuket’s Patong Beach.

Mr. Chris Byrd, Managing Director of Tour de Asia Bicycle Touring Co., Ltd, the organizer of the annual event, said that when he initiated the Tour de Thailand four years ago, the original idea was to invite international cyclists from around the world to join in a fun ride from Chiang Mai to Phuket to experience the unique beauty of Thailand’s countryside, tourist attractions and culture as well as help the needy along the way.

“The Tour de Thailand is such a great way to see the country and meet its people as well as do a good deed at the same time. And, through the overwhelming demand from international cyclists and receipt of local support, we have been able to establish the Tour de Thailand as an annual international charity cycling event,” said Mr. Byrd. “This year, the Tour de Thailand could not have materialized without the generous support of SangSom, our title sponsor, and that of TAT, Toyota, Chang drinking water, Larry’s Dive Restaurant Bar and Grill, Sweetskinz Bicycle Tires, FootBall Thailand (FBT), Right Angle Design Co. and TQPR. I would also like to express my gratitude to the Thai Bicycling Association, all provincial governors, the Police, health personnel and the media who have helped us to continue making this unique event possible.”

Mr. Jakarin Phudpong, Director Events Promotion Division of TAT, said that TAT welcomed the initiative because the event helps showcase Thailand to international visitors who enjoy eco-tourism. “Cycling from North to South will give the participants a chance to see the varied landscape and attractions which our country has to offer as well as the opportunity to experience the cultures of our people in each different province. And, of course, we are especially delighted the cyclists’ enjoyment will also lead to helping those in need,” said Mr. Jakarin.

Mr. Tossapol Isarangkul Na Ayudhaya, Senior Brand Manager, Thai Beverage Marketing Co., Ltd said, “SangSom considers this charity bike ride a great event to support. Its benefits are three fold – promoting Thailand’s tourism industry, especially bicycle touring and eco-tourism, raising funds for the charities, helping the needy and establishing the SangSom Tour de Thailand as an annual international sports event in Thailand. We are confident that both international and local cyclists and enthusiasts will be keen to join this year’s event as the starting point will be the Tha Pae Gate of Chiang Mai while the finishing point will be on Patong Beach of Phuket.”

Interested cyclists may opt to ride the whole route or just selected segments. Three official local riding events are as follows:

- From the starting point in Tha Pae Gate, Chiang Mai to Chom Thong on Saturday, December 2, 2006 - 44 miles/70 km (5.5 hrs).

- From Tak to Sukhothai on Tuesday, December 5, 2006 – 52 miles/83 km (5.5 hrs).

- From Ayutthaya to Bangkok on Monday, December 11, 2006 – 50 miles/80km (7.5 hrs).

- From Khao Lak, Phang-nga to the finishing point on Patong Beach - Phuket on Thursday, December 28, 2006 – 79 miles/122km (8.5hrs).

There is no registration fee for local day riders. If locals participate they will receive one T-shirt, Bottled Water, and can join the ride on a daily basis.

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