Olympic torch in Thailand
18/04/2008 07:35  - (SA)  

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Bangkok - The Olympic flame arrived under tight security in Thailand on Friday for the latest leg of its round-the-world relay and was quickly taken to a luxury hotel to await an official welcome by the country's crown princess.

Thousands of police and military have been ordered to secure Saturday's torch relay in Bangkok to prevent disruptions from protesters of China's human rights record that have plagued the flame on other stops.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej pledged "the government's full attention" for the relay, which he called an honor for Thailand.

"Why would anyone protest in Thailand? Why don't they protest in China?" Samak told reporters. "This is a good thing for Thailand. Thai people should be proud."

Chinese security officials escorted the torch on a charter flight that landed before dawn on Friday at a military airport outside Bangkok after leaving India, where some 15 000 police helped keep Tibetan protesters away from the flame.

A pro-China gathering greeted the torch at the airport, with about 30 people waving Chinese and Olympic flags as the plane landed at 02:40 local time. The airport reception was arranged by the Chinese Embassy, Thai officials said.

Route could be changed

The torch was then driven to a downtown luxury hotel.

Crown Princess Sirindhorn was scheduled to preside over a private welcome ceremony on Friday afternoon that was open only to palace photographers and government-owned television.

Up to 2 000 police will guard Saturday's relay, a 10.5km run starting in Bangkok's Chinatown and ending at the Royal Plaza, a large square in the historic section of the city. Eighty runners will take part in the relay, expected to last two hours and 45 minutes.

The route could be changed and shortened at the last minute if protesters try to disrupt the relay, said General Yuttasak Sasiprapha, president of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand.

Authorities have warned that any foreign activists involved in efforts to disrupt the event will be deported.

The torch is scheduled to leave Thailand for Malaysia on Saturday night.

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