Bangkok/Samui – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in collaboration with the Samui Rider Club, Surat Thani Provincial Administration, Samui Hotels Association, Ko Samui Police Station and local tourism operators have come together to stage the 6th Samui Bike Week, an annual event for bike lovers and riders, from enthusiasts to professionals.

Both local and international motorbike riders and fans are invited to join the event which will take place on 2-3 May, at Chaweng Lake in the Bo Phut district of Ko Samui, Thailand.

Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik, TAT Governor said, “For bike lovers, Samui Bike Week has become something to really look forward to, as enthusiasts not just from Thailand but from all over the world come together to show off their bikes, share tales and enjoy the island. Even visitors not usually interested in the machines find it fascinating.”

The Samui Bike Week is another initiative tourism event, which aims to draw a different group of travellers to fun-loving Samui. The event also aims to promote motorbike travel as a safe and eco-friendly way of getting around Samui and beyond.

This year’s event starts on 2 May when everyone taking part comes to register. Then there will be an official opening ceremony followed by live music concerts from well-known bands. Throughout the 2-day event, bike riders will be encouraged to join the many safety campaigns aimed at spreading the message that bike helmets save lives.

A more positive side to the event, and that is the promotion of road safety among bike riders. The Samui Bike Week offers a good way to send a message that riders need to be cautious when riding around Samui and of course everywhere else.

During the bike parade that will take a tour around Ko Samui, every rider and passenger will be wearing a helmet. There will also be demonstrations and workshops in safe riding given by professional bike riders as well as exhibitions of motorbikes, competitions, booths selling biking accessories and gear, and lots of stage performances.

The TAT Governor said, “Motorbike travel is normally convenient and safe, but we want to send the message that people should wear helmets, never drive drunk and to always drive defensively. If people follow these guidelines, we can keep Samui safe for riders who know that two wheels is the best way for tourists to enjoy this lovely island in the Gulf of Thailand.”

Formerly known as Coconut Island, thanks to its hills and groves being covered in vast coconut plantations, Samui is now more famous as a holiday destination. Visitors now have a great deal more entertainment than watching monkeys harvesting coconuts, though this is still an option.

Ko Samui is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, offering local and international visitors a range of activities to enjoy from beaches and islands to scuba diving and Muay Thai training. It is also possible to learn new skills, and enjoy sports and health activities by taking Thai cooking lessons, playing golf, or doing yoga and relaxing in a range of lovely spas.