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PM warns 'crazy' Olympic protestors as torch arrives in Thailand
The prime minister said Thais should be honoured that the Olympic torch was passing through their country Saturday and protesters would be "crazy and unreasonable" to disrupt the relay.
- AP
- Published: 08:58 April 19, 2008
Bangkok: The prime minister said Thais should be honoured that the Olympic torch was passing through their country Saturday and protesters would be "crazy and unreasonable" to disrupt the relay.
The torch arrived by plane on Friday under tight security and was quickly whisked to a luxury hotel.
Thailand's crown princess welcomed the flame shortly after its arrival.
The police and military were ordered to secure the relay to prevent disruptions from protesters of China's human rights record.
Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said his government was certain it could provide adequate security and lashed out at anyone who might try to disrupt the relay.
He said, "Whoever tries to destroy the flame is crazy and unreasonable … Why would anyone protest in Thailand? Why don't they protest in China?"
He added, "This is a good thing for Thailand … Thai people should be proud."
Protests over China's suppression of Tibetan demonstrations have dogged the torch relay at various stops on its worldwide journey that began at the ancient site of the original Olympics in Greece.
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