Bangkok: The Royal Thai Army and the Royal Thai Army have announced a special car rally event in honor of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun.
According to Thai News Agency, the Royal Automobile Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage (RAAT), in collaboration with the Royal Thai Army and private sector supporters, held a press conference for the event. The rally, themed ‘His Majesty is like a shade of the sky, loyal to the land of Thailand, honoring the ancient kings of Siam,’ is organized to compete for the royal trophy and will commence on 19 July, starting from the Sports Authority of Thailand, Huamark, Bangkok, to the Special Warfare Training Center in Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima Province.
Mr. Pruthirat Rattanakulseriringrit, President of RAAT, presided over the press conference, emphasizing the significance of the event in expressing gratitude to King Maha Vajiralongkorn on the occasion of his 73rd birthday anniversary on July 28, 2025. The rally aims to stimulate the economy, promote natural tourism in military areas through the “ARMYLAND” project, and encourage road discipline and traffic safety among participants.
The rally will feature 70 cars and 150 drivers and navigators, covering a distance of 241 kilometers with a travel time of no less than six hours, adhering to traffic rules. The route will take participants from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima Province, with stops at notable locations such as the Khao Taku Special Warfare Training Camp. The event will also include social activities, where participants will donate sports equipment and school supplies to local schools.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Pichitchai Sriyanon, chairman of the competition organizing subcommittee, highlighted that the winners in both team and individual categories will receive royal trophies from King Maha Vajiralongkorn, along with additional prizes from sponsors. The rally aims to foster unity, promote domestic tourism, and generate income for local communities, while also strengthening the institution of family and respect for traffic laws.
The event underscores the longstanding relationship between the monarchy and motorsports in Thailand, as the Royal Automobile Association of Thailand was established under royal patronage in 1933. The rally will officially begin on the morning of July 19th, with the opening ceremony and car release taking place at the Sports Authority of Thailand.