Steve Chia has safely returned to Singapore at 9.30 pm on Sunday, 22 April 2001. Chia flew in from Chiang Mai, Thailand, and was met by his family, friends and members of the National Solidarity Party (NSP).
The NSP Secretary-general, who met a mishap while travelling 7,000 km on his motorcycle to northern Thailand, had his right elbow bandaged and supported by an arm-craddle. He also sustained injures on his chest and knee, and had 17 stitches on the innermost part of his lips.
Chia began his journey on 11 April 2001, with the intention of making Golden Triangle his stop. He finally arrived 16 April 2001. On 18 April 2001, just 2 days after his last reporting, he travelled to May Hong Sang, a hilly region with many turns. At one of these turns, he lost his balance and crashed. Subsequently, he regained consciousness to find himself on a hospital bed.
The remnants of his trusty BMW motocycle, which has been badly damaged in the accident, will be flown into Singapore on Tuesday.
At Changi Airport, Chia was seen walking out of the airport gates in his usual gaily and cheerful fashion. As he approached, his friends raised a banner which read "Steve Welcome Home Safe & Sound" and cheered him on while party members helped him with his luggage. Thanking his friends for turning up and showing their concern, Chia gave a painful smile, and proceeded to distribute some photo albums containing shots of his trip.
