International and local cyclists gear up for the SangSom Tour de Thailand 2005 charity bike ride

The “SangSom Tour de Thailand 2005”, an international charity bike ride, will take place in Thailand from December 2 – 26, 2005 from Chiang Mai to Phuket to help raise funds for The Max Foundation for leukemia sufferers and The North Andaman Tsunami Relief. It is anticipated that over 200 foreign and local cyclists will participate on the more than 2,000-kilometer journey for a good cause and to experience the country’s beautiful countryside, sights and cultures. During the 25-day journey, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will host special welcome receptions with cultural shows and culinary demonstrations for the participants in Sukhothai, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khirikhan (Hua Hin), and Surat Thani provinces before the cyclists reach their finishing point on Phuket’s Patong Beach on December 26, which has been designated as the Tsunami Anniversary Memorial Day. Toys, books, clothing and financial aid will be presented to the North Andaman Tsunami Relief , Mr. Chris Byrd, Managing Director of Tour de Asia Bicycle Touring Co., Ltd. and organizer of the annual event, said that when he initiated the Tour de Thailand three years ago, the original idea was merely to invite cycling friends from the United States to join a fun group ride from Chiang Mai to Phuket in order to experience the unique beauty of Thailand’s countryside, tourist attractions and culture as well as help the needy along the way. “Since the 2003 event, the word has spread through the cycling community in many countries that the ‘Tour de Thailand’ was 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”, explained 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, Image Impact Ltd. and DTAC. 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,” he added. Mr. Santichai Euachongprasit, Deputy TAT Governor, 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 provinces. And, of course, we are especially delighted the cyclists’ enjoyment will also lead to helping those in need”, commented Mr. Santichai. Mr. Viroj Chantaramolee, Deputy Managing Director of Thai Beverages Marketing Co.,Ltd., said, “SangSom considers this charity bike ride a great event to support. Its benefits are four fold – promoting Thailand as a destination, promoting cycling as a sport, helping the needy and providing an opportunity to join the Tsunami Anniversary Memorial Day activities. 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 Three Kings Monument in the heart of Chiang Mai while the finishing point will be on Patong Beach of Phuket”. Interested local cyclists may choose to join the ride for the whole route or for the following segments of the route at a minimal donation of Baht 300 (and get a free SangSom Tour de Thailand T-shirt): 1. From the starting point in Chiang Mai to Chomthong district: 44 miles/70 kilometers (5.5 hrs) on December 2 from 7.00 a.m. 2. From Tak province to Sukhothai province: 52 Miles/83 Kilometers (5.5 hrs) on December 5 from at 7.00 a.m. 3. From Ayutthaya province to Suphan Buri province: 43 miles/69 kilometers (5 hrs) on December 12 from 7.00 a.m. 4. From Khao Lak, Phang-nga province to the finishing point on Patong Beach, Phuket province: 79 miles/122 kilometers (8.5 hrs) on December 26 from 7.00 a.m. Visit www.tourdethailand.com for more information and registration to join the SangSom Tour de Thailand charity bike ride, or call Image Impact Ltd. Tel: 02 253 6809 - 12 Ext. 113. For more information, please contact the event’s public relations representative: Image Impact Co., Ltd. Pemika Wongaiyara Onticha Rattanawannathip Tel: +66 (0) 2253 6809 - 12 # 113 Click for photo release at www.thaipr.net End.

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