The Bangkok Post reports (cache):
China claimed on Saturday it had received strong backing for the Olympics from Thailand - and a promise by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Games.
An exclusive story in the official Communist Party mouthpiece People's Daily, and reprinted in other official publications, China said Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama condemned disruption of the Olympics torch relay "in some countries."
It was not clear from the Chinese story where Mr Noppadon made the statement, except that it was "on Friday".
According to the Chinese report, Mr Noppadon also "said the country's Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej will attend the Aug 8 opening ceremony of the Games."
So far as is known, Mr Samak has not made any such statement to Thai media, although it is widely expected he plans to attend the Games.
On Saturday, Mr Noppadon issued an official statement through the foreign ministry.
"A peaceful protest (during the torch relay) can be done in accordance with the constitution," he said. ""Thailand believes that politics should not be linked with the Olympic Games."
The statement also made no mention of whether Mr Samak has decided to go to the Olympics.
In Bangkok on Friday, diplomatic and security sources told the Bangkok Post that China had approached the Thai government with strong concerns about the Bangkok leg of the torch relay next Saturday.
The Chinese embassy asked Thai security officials to keep special surveillance on three particular groups - the Falungong cult, pro-Tibet and pro-Taiwan movements - the sources said.
"The strong protests in western countries have caused the Chinese embassy big headaches, and they are seeking close cooperation from the Thai side to prevent any undesirable fallout during the two-day [torch relay] event," one of the sources told the Post.
China's story on Saturday claimed that Mr Noppadon had "voiced his government's support for the Beijing Olympics and condemned attempts and activities to disrupt and sabotage the Olympic torch relay in some countries.
"Noppadon said Thailand opposes any attempt to link the Olympics, a common heritage for humankind, to politics," the chinese report claimed.
A prominent Thai, M.R. Narisa Chakrabongse, has dropped out of the torch relay in protest at Chinese violence against Tibetans.
Nevertheless, "Noppadon also showed the confidence that Thailand will successfully hold the Olympic torch relay in its capital Bangkok on April 19," the Chinese media reported.
About 80 Thai participants are to carry the torch on a fairly short route beginning in the Yaowarat (Chinatown) areas, but centered mainly in the historic Rattanakosin section of the city. It does not include any downtown business or residential areas.
Torch bearers include 2004 Olympic weightlifting gold medallist Paveena Thongsuk, Kasikornbank president Bantoon Lamsam, Coke executive Pornwut Sarasin, environmentalist Thon Thamrongnawasawat and Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce chairman Suthee Meanchainant.
The relay has faced fierce protests in many cities, including London and Paris.
Thai officials responsible for the event held talks yesterday. Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart, who chaired the meeting, said protesters from overseas would be blocked from entering the country during the relay period. Authorities will be deployed to secure the event, he added.
The visiting Chinese delegation and the torch will receive a red-carpet welcome in Bangkok. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will preside over the reception next Friday at the Kasikornbank head office.
About 100 activists are expected to join a protest along the relay route, each carrying a sign bearing the name of each of the Tibetan dissidents arrested and jailed in last month's crackdowns.
BP: I should note that HRH is a well-known Sinophile who just went on her 25th visit to China so this complicates matters for the government and well the route will make some protests difficult:
Source: Bangkok Post
BP: I can't imagine the Thai authorities will allow protests around 8-10 like have happened in London and Paris, but things might not be out of the Thai government's hands as they have allowed the Chinese security force to accompany the torch:
The 150-member Chinese delegation, including its own blue-white security force, will arrive in Bangkok next Friday with the torch.
BP: And that security force have been so welcome to the torch bearers. After the fiasco, India has refused to allow the Chinese security force to guard the torch although the Tibetan community in India probably forced the decision.*
Jotman has a post on the issue here.
*I only note that because India has taken a different attitude towards Burma.
Thai people are easily awed by this kind of showy spectacle thing. I don't expect major dissenting actions. Kudos to MR Narisa though.
Canberra is probably gonna the next toughest crowd this torch is gonna faced. They still plan to take the torch to the top of Mt. Everest? Totally stupid idea.. a freak blizzard and avalanche and it won't be pretty. Though it would be a poetic justice in a way.
Hate China love Tibet. That seems to be the new fashion. Except it isn't that simple.
So much for the West being enlightened and superior, less gullible and more rational.
There will be a peaceful Demonstration on Saturday the 19th, where we would like to promote basic human rights for the people of Tibet.
for more information, please go to notorch.blogspot.com
I'm going to be there with FACT.
We're rational enough here in London to know the Olympics is a big, cynical con trick. A nasty tool of governments and big business obscured by hypocritical saccharine slogans.
Please, please China, keep the games since you seem to adore them so much - we promise we'll never mention Tibet again if we can be spared the horrors of hosting them in 2012.