AICR 2012 - Daily Report (Part 2/7)

The 2nd edition of the ASEAN-India Car Rally (AICR) was held from 25 Nov to 21 Dec 2012. Starting from Yogjakarta (Indonesia), the Rally passed through Singapore, Ipoh, Hat Yai, Phuket, Bangkok, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh, Pakse, Savanakhet, Vientiene, Chumphone, Sukhothai, Hpa An, Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay, Ka Lay, Kohima and Guwahati (India). India Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and the Heads of State of all ASEAN nations witnessed the ceremonial flag-down at the Rally’s final stop in New Delhi.

The following is a daily account of Leslie Chang who is the leader of the Singapore team.  Photos: Ernest Chua / TODAY

Ipoh to Hat Yai, 29^th Nov 2012

The Kullu Malai caves in Ipoh provided excellent photo opportunities.

 We arrived at the Bukit Kayu Hitam border by late morning.

The Thai authority opened a special lane at Sadao check point rendering a seamless entry into the Land of a Thousand Smiles.

At the nearby KPK Hotel, we were warmly greeted by Deputy Governor of Songkhla, Mr Nattapong Sirichana and followed by a lunch reception.

The journey for the day ended at Hat Yai JB Hotel where handyman James Ling found time to tighten the undercover of both our cars.

Dinner featuring local favourites was held at the Songkla Convention Centre.

 

 

Hat Yai to Phuket, 30^th Nov 2012

Traffic along the main roads in Hat Yai came to a stop to facilitate the passing of our convoy.

Massive road widening is seen off Route 4, en-route to Krabi.  

Car # 22 reported a drop in the engine output and this was traced to a loose wire connection.  To avoid unnecessary delay, the service team from Mahindra rectified the problem during lunch halt while having their meals next to the engine bay.

Outside Cabbages & Condoms Restaurant, Bernard posed for a photo next to a Thai officer and his patrol car.

 

The media had this photo opportunity as the cony entered Phuket via Thep Krasattri Bridge.

After checking in at Royal Phuket City Hotel, we were transferred by coaches to Hilton Phuket where the Indian Ambassador to Thailand Anil Wadhwa hosted a dinner reception.  Here's a group shot with his Excellency.

After the buffet line was shut, the Organisers (Hormazd from AutoCar and Neerja from CII) started a ‘train’ line.

 

 

 

Phuket to Bangkok, 1^st Dec 2012

Local sponsors provided additional attire for the convoy which were duly distributed by the Thai crew before sunrise.

James was seen getting Car # 23 ready for the day.

The earlier-than-usual set off was necessary as the distance from Phuket to Bangkok is more than 800 km. Shortly after we left Phuket, we joined Route 4 which is also part of Asian Highway 2.

This is the longest and the most established highway in Southern Thailand. Some of the Rest / Service stops along this highway look like a shopping mall.

Hence, it was a small wonder that Shuen could hardly wait to get out of her car.

The Highway Patrol and Road Marshal provided by the local organisers did a marvellous job to ensure our smooth passage in Thailand.

 

The country’s largest oil firm PTT is one of the sponsors for the Thailand Leg of the Rally.

 

Overall, the convoy drove very well for this sector that we arrived at Bangkok Royal River Hotel one hour ahead of schedule. Later in the evening, some of us even found time to enjoy road side cuisine in downtown Bangkok.

Bangkok, 2^nd Dec 2012

After breakfast, the crew from AutoCar and Mahindra carried out routine checks and washed all rally cars while the participants toured the Grand Palace.

Thai authority closed the road lining the King Rama V Memorial Plaza around noon time to allow set up and preparation work for the ceremonial flag-off of the Thailand Leg.

 

Various team representatives took the opportunity to have a group shot on the start ramp.

On the side line, Leslie posed with models who were dressed in the national costumes of India and ASEAN countries.

Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Dr Surapong Tovichakchaikul was the GOH for the ceremony and he is seen here exchanging greetings with Poh Heng.

 

The Ambassador of Singapore to Thailand Mrs Chua Siew San (standing on stage, third from right) was also present at the flag-off.

Main driver for Car # 23 William proudly drove his Mahindra XUV 500 off the start ramp.

As a mark of respect for the passing of former India Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral, the evening programme scheduled to held at the Bangkok Convention Centre were cancelled.