Hundreds of Harley-Davidson owners will gather in Bangkok to show their loyalty to His Majesty the King on his birthday next month, according to a biker club.
Santhaya Phoket, president of the Immortals Thailand club, said on Sunday that about 1,000 people would bring their Harley motorcycles to a stadium at the Thai-Japanese youth centre in Din Daeng district on July 28, where they will form a mosaic picture in the stands to show their loyalty to His Majesty the King. July 28 is the birthday of King Rama X who will turn 71 years old this year.
Participants will include actors Baromvudh “Mick” Hiranyasthiti, Patinya “Boat” Vibulnan and Somchai “Tao” Kemklad; artist Manatsawin “Tik Shiro” Nanthasen; Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree, secretary-general of the Internal Security Operations Command; and Col Wanchana Sawatdee. Both soldiers starred in King Naresuan movies.
“This year is a special year to tell people that members of the club are loyal to the nation, religion and monarch. There is no political angle or hidden agenda. Harley-Davidson riders from around the country will just gather for the activity,” Mr Santhaya said at a press conference.
He said that earlier the club planned to hold the event at Sanam Luang, but changed the venue to the Thai-Japanese stadium in Din Daeng because Sanam Luang was a sensitive place and the gathering could be otherwise misinterpreted as a political activity.
Mr Santhaya insisted the activity would have nothing to do with politics.
“No members talk about politics. Everyone is Thai. They discuss matters related to vehicles and charity,” he said.