Thailand’s crown prince has led thousands of cyclists through the streets of the capital in a tribute to his mother, Queen Sirikit, to mark her 83rd birthday.
The high-profile event on Sunday, broadcast live by all public television stations, was also an exercise in palace public relations at a time of concern about the royal succession in Thailand.
Roads were closed along the route of what was dubbed “Bike for Mom”, which transformed typically traffic-clogged Bangkok – for a day at least – into a cyclists’ paradise. Among the riders were the prime minister, his cabinet, celebrities and other VIPs. Similar rides took place in other provinces, led by local officials.
Sunday’s event took place a few days after the queen’s birthday on 12 August, which is also a national holiday and celebrated as Mother’s Day in Thailand.