Big bikes to roar into Phuket

PHUKET: More than 2,000 bikers from around Thailand and Southeast Asia are set to come roaring into Phuket next month for Southern Big Bike Party and Charity 2010.

Organizer Kittiwong Jansattham met Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha at Provincial Hall last week to finalize arrangements for the event, activities for which will be centered at Saphan Hin Public Park December 17 to 18.

The activities will include contests for the best custom design and classic bikes, memorabilia auctions and live performances from artists including veteran rockers Hin Lek Fai.

Safety will be a theme throughout the festival, with a campaign to ensure all riders and passengers wear helmets.

All profits will be donated to Vachira Phuket Hospital and other public organizations in Phuket.

Big bikes are expected to arrive from all regions of Thailand as well as Malaysia and Singapore.

Phuket authorities were ready to give support to the event, Gov Tri said.

As well as boosting tourism, bikers were helping to promote safety by wearing safety helmets. This would help reduce accidents involving the public and tourists this high season, he said.