Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra launched "Bangkok Car Free Day 2015" at Sanam Luang on Sunday morning, part of a campaign to reduce the use of cars and encourage patronage of public transport and bicycles.
The launch was attended by officials of the city administration and representatives of 70 supporting organisations.
Led by Sanya Cheenimit, the city clerk, and Pol Gen Aswin Khwanmuang, a deputy Bangkok governor, a column of about 30,000 cyclists was launched onto the streets from Sanam Luang.
The cyclists were to pedal a distance of 8 kilometres from Na Phra That road to the National Museum, Phra Arthit road, Ratchadamnern Avenue, around the Democracy Monument, and head back to Sanam Luang along Tanao, Bamrung Muang and Sanam Chaikhet roads, passing the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has organised other activities between 8am and 8pm.
The road from in front of the Grand Palace to Wat Phra That has been turned into a walking street for such activities as free medical check-ups, occupational training, distribution of trees free of charge, shows by the 11th Military Circle, acrobatic bicycle rides and concerts by many bands.