Phuket's Bike Week has been postponed to April 20-22.


PHUKET: Organisers of Phuket Bike Week 2012 anticipate attracting three times as many visitors as last year, perhaps totalling 15,000 participants and friends.

The date has been set for April 6-8* (now postponed to April 20-22) - Bike Week traditionally being a time when a week's worth of living is packed into three days. And there's still hope for motorcycle races down Patong's beach road.

Further talks with Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha and Patong Mayor Pian Keesin will be held about the prospects of closing beach road for bike racing. Patong's one-way system probably limits the chances of the idea winning approval.

The keys to this year's event with the theme ''True Speed'' were spelled out yesterday in a meeting with Governor Tri.

Organisers predict that because last year's event was hampered by southern region flooding, it was not unrealistic to expect the 5000 who came to triple to 15,000 this year.

The 2012 event will have a strong Asean theme and riders from Asean countries are expected to dominate, although people from 26 countries have already expressed interest.

A motorcycle exhibition at Patong's football field, tattooing titles, a grand dinner and the Miss Phuket Bike Week 2012 contest are all expected to have appeal.

The ''Peace Ride'' this year will begin at Sarasin Bridge and take in Phuket's west coast to Cape Promthep. A global warming tree-planting and sand art are also planned.