An 84-year-old man who has trouble walking is close to completing a 400-kilometre trek to Bankgkok via tricycle to pay his respects to the late King Bhumibol, who had bestowed the vehicle upon him.
Pan Muenyote, a native of Ban Sa Kaew village in Phutthaisong district of Buri Ram, reached Pathum Thani province north of Bangkok on Friday morning. Making steady progress on his lever-powered tricycle bearing portraits of the late King, the elderly man received a warm welcome from highway police and rescue workers on the Phahon Yothin highway.
Wearing a black shirt with a message vowing to be a servant of the late King in every life, Mr Pan said he intended to reach Bangkok on the royally donated tricycle to pay his respects and show his gratitude for the King's generosity.
He said he had received the tricycle as well as prosthetic teeth from the late King and the donations had allowed him live a happy life despite the severe difficulties he had in walking.
Mr Pan left his village last Saturday and was on course to reach the Grand Palace on Friday night.
As he made his way to Bangkok, people donated money and other items. Mr Pan said he intended to give all the donations to charity when he finished his trip to the capital.
