CityNews – Two Thai veterans of the Vietnam War yesterday set off on a walk from Chiang Mai to Bangkok in honour of His Majesty the King.
Udom and Sa-ngeam say they are dedicating money to . Photo: Weerasak Panyachod.
Udom Narkkorn of Hang Dong and Sa-ngeam Thiyana of Mae Taeng say they are dedicating merit to His Majesty so he can recover from illnesses.
The men – both 66 years old – set off from the Three Kings Monument in Chiang Mai and aim to reach Bangkok’s Siriraj Hospital on the King’s birthday, December 5. His Majesty has been treated in the hospital for various ailments in recent years.
The distance is just under 700km, and they will walk through 11 provinces before reaching the capital. They are Lamphun, Lampang, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan, Chainat, Singburi, Angthong, Ayutthaya, Pathumthani and Nonthaburi.
Udom and Sa-ngeam said they planned to just keep walking until they reach their destination. Highway police and soldiers will support them on their journey.
Thailand sent thousands of troops to fight alongside the Americans in Vietnam in the 1960s and early 1970s.