Phuket Bike Week 2016 celebrates its 22nd edition

Phuket Bike Week 2016 welcomes all ASEAN riders to celebrate its 22nd edition.

A special press conference was held earlier today in conjunction with the upcoming Phuket Bike Week 2016 (PBW2016) event in the Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

Leading this panel was the event’s project manager Wittaya ‘Sumon’ Singkalah from organisers West Coast Ride Thailand Co. Ltd (Ride Thailand), as well as Tourism Authority of Thailand Director for Malaysia & Brunei Ahman Mad-adam.

One of the region’s biggest and longest running motorcycling events is celebrating its 22nd edition this year and will be held in two parts, lasting a total of nine days from 8 April to 16 April.

The first part will be held in Phuket’s famed Patong Beach seaside retreat from 8 April to 10 April. This leg features live music performances, custom bike shows and competitions, a specially organised Harley Day for visiting HOG chapters, a beauty pageant and a convoy ride around Patong amongst others.

The second part will be held just after Songkran, which falls on 13 April, in the Anuphat Courtyard – the event’s second official venue – that sits in the epicentre of Phuket Town. This three day soiree, which runs from April 15 to April 16, will offer a similar line up of activities with the addition of stunt and moto gymkhana shows, followed by a convoy ride around Phuket’s Old Town to Phomtep Cape.

For this year’s edition, organisers Ride Thailand are expecting the attendance of over 10,000 motorcycles and 50,000 visitors hailing from more than 30 countries. A special VIP registration package is being offered for visitors that costs THB1,500 (approx. RM177.32) per person. This package grants entry into both legs of PBW2016 whilst including a ticket for the grand dinner, as well as a gift bag containing special memorabilia and gifts.

Regular tickets are also available and see visitors registering for the Patong Beach leg granted with free entry on all three days. Visitors heading for the Phuket Town leg of PBW2016, on the other hand, will need to pay an entrance fee of THB300 (approx. RM35.46) to gain entry for all two days here and it include two complimentary drinks.

The press conference held in KL today was a unique one as it hosted not just journalists, but also local motorcycling enthusiasts and local bike club members. Amongst them present here included local custom bikes institution Red Garage Malaysia, HOG Malaysia Chapter, as well as the Malaysian Superbike Club.

Malaysian riders and visitors to PBW2016 need not worry about the reported plans by the Thai government in banning foreigners from driving their vehicles into the kingdom. Tourism Thailand’s Ahman stated clarifies:

“I am glad to inform you that this ban will not affect Malaysian riders and visitors heading to PBW2016. The Thai and Malaysian governments already have an agreement in this matter, so Malaysian riders can ride into PBW2016 as long as they have a valid Malaysian driving license as well.”

However, PBW2016 project manager Sumon advised further by adding:

“I strongly recommend all Malaysian riders to have their International Driving Permits ready as a precaution since local law enforcement will likely be overwhelmed, and perhaps to consider purchasing a premium insurance package that costs RM2,000 annually as an extra measure too.”

Both Sumon and Ahman also reassured all visiting bikers that Ride Thailand is working closely in partnership with the Thai government and the local Phuket administrative body in creating easier access at the borders. Visitors are advised to get in touch with the organising team as early as possible prior to their visit.

More information about PBW2016 can be obtained by visiting its official site, phuketbikeweek.com. Enquiries can be made via email at [email protected] or phone by calling +66(0)76-252069. Check out what went down during last year’s Phuket Bike Week 2015 in the highlight video posted above.