BANGKOK, Thailand – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) welcomes the arrival of Canadian Paralympian and inspirational handcyclist Jimmy Pelletier as he begins Stage 5 of his global cycling project, “Jimmy Pelletier Cycling Ride – La Randonnée Jimmy Pelletier”, in Thailand.
Hosted and supported locally by AFS Thailand, the Thailand stage takes place from 14 February to 1 April 2026, starting at the AFS Thailand office in Bangkok before continuing across the Kingdom. Following the Thailand stage, Jimmy will travel onward to Morocco on 3 April to begin Stage 6 of his 13-stage world tour.
The initiative aims to raise awareness and funds for Adaptavie, a Quebec-based non-profit organisation dedicated to enhancing quality of life and promoting independence for people with physical, intellectual and autism-related disabilities. Proceeds will support the development of the Adaptavie Health Complex in Quebec City, an innovative health and wellness centre designed to serve people with disabilities from around the world.
Ms. Denduen Luengcheng, TAT Executive Director of the Advertising and Public Relations Department, said: “Thailand is honoured to welcome Jimmy Pelletier and to support a journey that carries a powerful message of resilience, equality and global solidarity. His ride across Thailand highlights the Kingdom’s scenic diversity and warm hospitality while reflecting our shared commitment to inclusion and accessibility in tourism.
“At TAT, we are advancing the ‘Trusted Thailand’ initiative to reinforce traveller confidence by working closely with public and private partners to enhance safety standards, service quality and crisis preparedness across the tourism sector. We are pleased that Thailand can provide a safe, welcoming and well-supported environment for international events and inspiring global figures such as Jimmy.”
Under the Trusted Thailand framework, TAT continues to collaborate with strategic partners across the travel ecosystem to strengthen safety awareness, promote responsible tourism practices and communicate accurate, timely information to visitors. These efforts form part of Thailand’s broader strategy to ensure that destinations nationwide remain accessible, secure and visitor-ready.
Ms. Denduen added, “For Thailand, hosting this stage of the world tour further demonstrates the country’s readiness to welcome international athletes, purpose-driven events and meaningful global initiatives, supported by strong partnerships, high service standards and an unwavering commitment to traveller safety and well-being.”
Beyond the sporting challenge, the Thailand stage symbolises strong intercultural ties between Canada and Thailand. As part of the global AFS network, AFS Thailand promotes intercultural learning and global citizenship through student exchange programmes and cultural initiatives. The collaboration reflects close cooperation between AFS Thailand and AFS Canada in fostering mutual understanding, inclusion and youth empowerment.
Jimmy will serve as a goodwill ambassador throughout his time in Thailand, engaging with local communities, AFS volunteers and alumni, cycling groups and supporters who share his vision of a society where diversity is embraced and everyone can participate fully and equally.
About Jimmy Pelletier
Jimmy Pelletier discovered his passion for sport at a young age, but his life changed dramatically at 19 following a car accident that left him paraplegic. Turning adversity into determination, he went on to compete at the Paralympic Games in Turin in 2006 and became a member of Canada’s handcycling team.
Beyond his athletic career, Jimmy has taken on extraordinary challenges to support Adaptavie, including becoming the world’s second person to summit Mount Kilimanjaro by handbike and cycling 7,200 kilometres across Canada in just 65 days.
He is also the founder of the annual charity event Jimmy Pelletier Cycling Ride – La Randonnée Jimmy Pelletier, which brings together business leaders and cycling enthusiasts to raise funds and promote inclusion—using sport as a powerful platform to inspire equality and build a more accessible society.
About AFS Thailand
AFS Thailand is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting intercultural understanding and global citizenship through international educational exchange programs. The organization enables Thai students to study abroad in more than 40 countries while welcoming international students into Thai host families, empowering young people with cross-cultural skills and perspectives for an inclusive global society.
About Adaptavie
Founded in 1980 in Quebec City, Adaptavie is a Canadian non-profit organization supporting over 2,000 individuals annually with physical, intellectual, and autism-related disabilities. Through personalized services and community partnerships, Adaptavie promotes independence, well-being, and social inclusion to help people lead active and fulfilling lives. (TAT)
