Tour de Asia proudly presents “Tour de Thailand 2008”

Tour de Asia welcomes international and local cyclists to the 6th Annual Tour de Thailand Charity Bicycle Ride - a 27 day adventure through Thailand from Chiang Mai to Phuket. Tour de Asia Bicycle Touring in conjunction with DTAC, Columbia Sportswear, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) today announced “Tour de Thailand”, a 27 day charity bicycle tour covering over 2,300 KM from Chiang Mai to Phuket. The event starts in Chiang Mai with registered riders from around the world joining for 2-4 weeks and local cyclists joining from day to day. The 27 day journey includes 22 days of riding and 5 days off for rest, relaxation, and sightseeing in Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Khao Sok National Park. Mr. Christopher Byrd, Managing Director of Tour de Asia Bicycle Touring Co., Ltd and the organizer of the annual event said: “We will take our riders the length of Thailand by bicycle on smaller back roads that take us through beautiful scenery and villages that most people never get to see on other tours. We will still get to visit the popular tourist spots and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, we just won’t get there by big buses on high-speed highways that pass the real Thailand without a glance.” “Tour de Thailand could not have materialized without the generous support of DTAC, Columbia Sportswear, and the TAT our Gold sponsors, and that of Helix Environmental Planning, Toyota Thailand, Football Thailand (FBT), TQPR (Thailand), Sweetskinz Bicycle Tires, Raimon Land and Bangkok Hospital Medical Center. I would also like to express my gratitude to the Thai Cycling Association, all provincial governors, the Royal Thai Police, and the media who have helped us to continue making this unique event possible,” he added. The ‘Tour de Thailand’, in it’s 6th year as an international charity bike ride and also the signature ride of Tour de Asia, will take place in Thailand from Dec 9th – Jan 4th. Tour de Thailand will be raising funds for Operation Smile Thailand, helping children receive the surgeries they need to correct Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate. Also benefitting will be the Foundation for the Blind in Thailand under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen. Mr. Sawanchai Ritthirak – T.A.T. Events Department Executive Director said that T.A.T. welcomes this tour because the event helps showcase Thailand to international visitors who enjoy bicycle touring and responsible tourism. “Cycling from Chiang Mai to Phuket will give the participants a chance to see the beautiful landscape and attractions which Thailand has to offer as well as the opportunity to experience the cultures of Thais in each different province. And, of course, we are especially delighted the cyclists’ unforgettable adventure and enjoyment will also lead to helping those in need,” commented Mr. Suwanchai. Mr. Perapong Klinla-or, dtac’s Head of CSR Department, said “We are proud to support the Tour de Thailand event. This will be another activity that we do to support tourism industry in Thailand. Actually, dtac has implemented many other social activities to support tourism before such as Rescue Boat project which we offered to Krabi Tourist Rescue Center last year or Tourist Signboard Project that we placed in tourist attractions nationwide. For this event, we understand the goodwill of the Tour de Thailand to raise funds for Operation Smile Thailand, and the Foundation for the Blind in Thailand under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen. This is in line with dtac's social policy under "Let's be Good" project which we try to encourage everyone to do good deeds in any way they can.” Interested cyclists may opt to ride the whole route or just the Northern Segment or Southern Segment with a US$495.00 registration fee and a minimum fundraising goal for the charities (includes all accommodations, 2 Jerseys, 2 t-shirts, and much more). Information and registration can be obtained from 089-815-3169, 081-173-4469 or visit www.tourdethailand.com or email to [email protected] There is no registration fee for local day riders. If locals participate they will receive a complimentary Promotional Item, Bottled Water, and can join the ride for a day of their choice. About Tour de Asia Bicycle Touring The Tour de Asia Bicycle Touring Company (a licensed Tourism Authority of Thailand Company) was started in April of 2004 for the main purpose of organizing and operating charity bicycle events in Thailand and Southeast Asia. The Founder and Managing Director, Mr. Christopher Byrd, came up with the idea for the 1st Annual Tour de Thailand on August 4th, 2003 and he completed a 3,200 KM solo bicycle journey covering Thailand from Hat Yai to Chiang Rai that started on November 22nd and finished on December 20th of 2003. The inaugural success was so incredible that Christopher felt that he needed to continue this event to include riders from around the world and start other rides in Southeast Asia that would become more successful each year. In 2003 Christopher raised over 300,000 baht for the charities by himself and with the help of other riders raised over 300,000 baht once again in 2004. Since then the donations as well as riders have more than doubled each year raising 1,400,000 baht in 2006 and anticipating more than 3 million for 2008. It is because of our ongoing efforts to get support from Corporate Sponsors who will benefit from our Marketing and Corporate Social Responsibility programs that we can operate reasonably inexpensive rides and still have 100% of the donations go directly to the charities. Without the generosity of these sponsors the events we organize would not be possible, so we make every effort to give them credit for sharing our vision and dream. Our events are not races, but everyone involved wins! For more information as well as pictures, please contact: Suparat Photivichit Total Quality PR (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Tel: 0-2260-5820, 089-923-2366 Email: [email protected] Click for photo release at www.thaipr.net

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