The event was held under the theme of “Pan Yon Muang, Chim Ahan, Laokhan Reung Muang Too at Phuket”, or “cycling for city sight seeing, food tasting and telling stories of Kathu City at Phuket”.

Participants started the ride in front of Muang Kathu Municipality Office and proceeded to Surakul Stadium, Wichit Songkhram and Krabi roads and into the old city area. The course then passed the clock tower and visited Saphan Hin Park before returning by a different route back to the municipality office.

Muang Krathu mayor Chaianan Sutthikul said his office had joined forces with Nation TV and its partners in the public and private sectors in this constructive activity. He said the ride was regarded as a promotion of public-private collaboration through an activity that benefited society.

It also helped the campaign for road safety and promoted tourism because the ride passed by or stopped at many of Phuket’s key attractions, he said.

Nation Multimedia Group chairman Thepchai Yong said this mass gathering of cyclists provided a beautiful image and, more importantly, it promoted the Thai people’s awareness of, and admiration for, Phuket’s and Kathu’s history and culture.

The ride was part of the year-long Nation Bike Thailand 2017 campaign, which has celebrated its fourth year, and involves rides in 12 provinces between March and December.

The campaign aims to promote exercise, good health through cycling, tourism and protecting the environment.