More than 7,000 Thai and foreign bikers rolled into Pattaya for the 15th Burapa Bike Week last month.
Motorcycle enthusiasts enjoyed music, shows and shopping at the Eastern National Indoor Sports Stadium on Soi Chaiyapruek during the two-day “week” Feb. 11-12. Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome and former area politicians kicked off festivities with the annual “Drive for Peace” through the city.
Club leaders and local politicians stand shoulder to shoulder during the opening ceremonies.
Thai rock legends Lam Morrison and Ad Carabao along with musician Pongpat Wajirabanjong entertained while crowds flocked to booths selling goods for cars, bikes and bodies.
The highlight of the event were 10 weddings between motorcycle club members, including Prasan Nikaji, president of the Burapa Motorcycle Club. Sonthaya Kunplome, former Minister of Sports and Tourism presented flowers and Burapha flags to all the married couples.
Akarapol Yaram, head of the Buriram Bike Club, once again brought his charges to Pattaya for the event.
Prasan said the annual festival draws bike fans from Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom and other countries.
Among them is Akarapol Yaram, head of the Buriram Bike Club. Each year he leads his 65 members and 45 custom bikes to Pattaya, raising funds for charity along the way. To get here, members have been stuck in traffic, broken down and faced a public that sees only noisy motorcycles and scruffy bikers instead of the goals behind their journey.
Akarapol urges his members – and all drivers – to not drink and drive. In the case of his club, he reminds the bikers they have to set a good example. Doing otherwise would only damage the reputation of bike clubs and events such as Burapa Bike Week, he said.
The big bike parade turns heads down Beach Road.
Motorcycles parade down Pratamnak Hill.
Sonthaya Kunplome, former Minister of Sports and Tourism, presents Burapha flags to “just married” couples.
