In a rare public appearance, Thailand's Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn led thousands of cyclists throughout Bangkok in a 43km (27 mile) loop in honour of his mother, Queen Sirikit.
The 63-year-old prince donned a shirt in his mother's colour, sky blue, and adorned with the phrase "Bike for Mom". The event is the first to be publicly led by the crown prince, the BBC reported. The queen, who turned 83-years-old on 12 August, is in poor health, much like her husband King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and has not been seen in public.
The Straits Times reported that the heir apparent smiled and waved to the multitude of on-lookers throughout the cycling route. "I'm excited," 46-year-old Bangkok resident Ratree Srinuthum told the Times before the event. "It's usually hard to get this close to him."
Thailand Bike For Mom
A participant with the name of the event shaved into his hair takes part in the "Bike for Mom" event in Bangkok, Thailand, August 16, 2015. Thai Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn led 40,000 cyclists on a 43-km (27-mile) course in Bangkok on Sunday, to celebrate the 83rd birthday of Thailand's Queen Sirikit, which fell on August 12.REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha
According to the BBC, nearly 300,000 cyclist registered to join Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn on the city-wide ride. The next in line to the throne was joined by high ranking government members, including Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and his cabinet.