(L to R) Auttaphol Wannakij,
director of TAT Pattaya Office, Pol. Col. Supachai Phuikaewkhum,
superintendent of Pattaya station, Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome, Theeraporn
Jitnawa, manager of Central Festival Pattaya Beach, Pol. Col. Somnuk
Changate, superintendent of Nongprue station, and Prasan Nikaji, president
of Burapa Motorcycle Club, announcing details of the Burapa Pattaya Bike
Week 2014 at Central Festival Pattaya Beach.
Warunya Thongrod
With Thailand ripped apart along color-coded lines, the Burapha
Motorcycle Club is hoping to sew a little harmony with its annual “Ride for
Peace.”
The highlight event of the Feb. 14-15 Burapha Bike Week, the 17th Ride for
Peace could see 10,000 motorcyclists rolling through Pattaya for charity and
to raise awareness about the need to wear helmets and obey traffic laws.
Bikers will start at the Soi Chaiyapruek 2 venue, turn right toward
Sukhumvit and proceed north through the Thepprasit intersection, turning
east on North Road. Riders continue down through the Dolphin Roundabout,
down Beach Road to Bali Hai Pier and into Jomtien Beach and back to Soi
Chaiyapruek 2.
“Apart from stimulating Pattaya tourism, we will use this
event to lead a campaign in safe driving, particularly, with teenagers,”
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome said at the latest Bike Week press conference Feb.
6. “We also believe that these kinds of events will stimulate tourist
activities, thus, exposing Pattaya’s ability to access all lifestyles for
tourists.”
The Ride for Peace anchors a Thai celebration that also includes thousands
of glider and remote-controlled aircraft enthusiasts, vintage car buffs and
audiophiles as well as bike aficionados. Patrons can also enjoy concerts
from Micro, Tom Dandee and other leading artists. There will also be cowboy,
paramotor, off-road, parachuting, and extreme sports shows. Booths will sell
bikes, parts, security systems and other items.
Officials hope to alleviate traffic problems by reserving three lanes of Soi
Chaiyapruek 2 for vehicles entering the event from 6-10 p.m., with one lane
left open for those leaving. After 10 p.m., the lanes will be reversed, with
three lanes given to traffic exiting to Sukhumvit Road. Traffic police will
be stationed at the Soi Khao Noi so cars can take a left to enter Soi
Chaiyapruek 2.
