Bangkok: The Cycling Association of Thailand extends its heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn for his benevolence towards the Thai cycling community. General Decha Hemkrasri, President of the Cycling Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, led a ceremony at the Hua Mak Velodrome within the Sports Authority of Thailand in Bangkok's Bang Kapi District. The event, held on July 27, 2026, was to offer blessings and sign a book of well wishes to His Majesty on the occasion of his 28th birthday on July 28, 2026.

According to Thai News Agency, General Decha announced that His Majesty the King had graciously granted royal patronage to the Cycling Association of Thailand. This honor is seen as a significant morale booster for the association, its athletes, and the broader Thai cycling community, encouraging the development of athletes to achieve international standards.

General Decha emphasized that His Majesty has consistently shown great kindness to the association, notably through the bestowal of championship trophies. After each competition season, the association requests an audience with His Majesty to present the winning athletes, and His Majesty has either personally presided over these events or appointed a representative to present the trophies.

Moreover, General Decha highlighted His Majesty's involvement in the "Bike for Mom" and "Bike for Dad" cycling events, which were held in 2015 in honor of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, respectively. These events are emblematic of His Majesty's aspirations to promote loyalty to the monarchy and a love for exercise among the Thai people through cycling and other physical activities.