Olympic Torch To Arrive In Thailand April 18

[george]

Olympic torch to arrive in Thailand April 18

BANGKOK: -- The Beijing Olympics Torch relay is scheduled to arrive in Thailand on April 18 and the kingdom had prepared the cultural events to celebrate the arrival of the auspicious occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kajornprasart said Monday.

Maj-Gen. Sanan, chaired the National Olympics Committee of Thailand (NOCT) meeting said Thailand was one of 20 countries selected to participate in the Olympics torch relay for Beijing Olympic Games to be held this coming August.

The Beijing Olympic torch was lit at the ancient Temple of Hera in Greece on Monday in a ceremony launches the Olympic torch relay that marks the countdown for each Games, and the Beijing Games relay is the longest and most ambitious ever planned, lasting 130 days and covering 137,000 kilometres.

Thailand is part of the route and would prepare 80 torchbearers to join the relay in the kingdom.

The flame will arrive in Thailand on April 18 and on the next day the torchbearers will carry the torch from the historic Chinatown area of Yaowaraj passed Chitralada Palace, the Bangkok residence of King Bhumibol Adulyadej; The Anantasamakom Throne Hall and end the journey at the Royal Plaza in front of the throne hall.

The various cultural events, both Thai and Chinese, will be held at the Royal Plaza to celebrate the Olympic flame's journey, and HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will attend the cultural events.

The Deputy Prime Minister said Chinese government had requested Thailand to step up security during the cultural events as Chinese Embassy officials have expressed worried that there will be an attempt to politicise the Olympics in Beijing.

Narisa Chakrabongse, chairwoman of Thailand's Green World Foundation who was invited to be one of 80 torchbearers in Thailand, had announced her withdrawal from torch-running in response to the severe violation of human rights in Tibet and to send a clear signal to China that its actions could not be accepted by the international community.

--TNA 2008-03-24

[TokyoT]

Thai Olympic torchbearer withdraws in protest over China's crackdown in Tibet

BANGKOK, Thailand: One of Thailand's representatives in the Olympic torch relay has withdrawn in protest over China's recent crackdown on protesters in Tibet, a statement said Sunday.

Narisa Chakrabongse — one of the country's six torchbearers — said in an open letter that she decided against taking part in the relay to "send a strong message to China that the world community could not accept its actions."

The rest of the story....

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/03/23/...Torchbearer.php

[Fantasteak]

What days are Songkran?

[goldfish]

Anyone know where I can buy a Free Tibet flag?

[Martin]

Politicisation seems to be doing for the original spirit of the Olympics what commercialisation has done for the original message of Christmas.

[younghusband]

Politicisation seems to be doing for the original spirit of the Olympics what commercialisation has done for the original message of Christmas.

I wonder what you mean this.Are you referring to the politicisation of the Olympics by the Chinese who are looking to repeat the propaganda victory for their debased government much like the Nazis' attempt in 1936 at the Berlin Olympics?

[TokyoT]

I wonder what you mean this.Are you referring to the politicisation of the Olympics by the Chinese who are looking to repeat the propaganda victory for their debased government much like the Nazis' attempt in 1936 at the Berlin Olympics?

Indeed, I find the almost constant complaining from the Chinese about not politicizing the games quite laughable. The Chinese have obviously attempted to use the Olympics to feed their propaganda machine from the get-go.

Same, same for the IOC they politicized the event the second they gave it to China. I travel to China on a fairly regular basis and based upon pollution alone it is clear (to anyone who has visited) that awarding a world class outdoor sporting event to China was not done on the merits of which city/country was best suited to hold such an event with world class athletes to compete in.

The west is content to look the other way in most instances when it comes to China because too many western companies have too much invested in China. The combination of existing investment and potential future return has made the money grubbing west willing to deal with the China pretty much regardless of their actions.

At least not everyone is letting China get away with what ever they want to do – thumbs up to Narisa Chakrabongse, and thumbs up to Steven Spielberg (thanks to Steve China is now at least playing lip service to the situation in Darfur – they have appointed a special envoy).

Edited March 25, 2008 by TokyoT

[lannarebirth]

Politicisation seems to be doing for the original spirit of the Olympics what commercialisation has done for the original message of Christmas.

As if performance enhancing drugs and the allowing of professional athletes instead of amateurs only wasn't bad enough.

[Johpa]

Narisa Chakrabongse — one of the country's six torchbearers — said in an open letter that she decided against taking part in the relay to "send a strong message to China that the world community could not accept its actions."

Chaiyo!! A very high Sakdina family member with a social conscience. Would someone please elevate her to Chao Fa status.

[Thai at Heart]

Narisa Chakrabongse — one of the country's six torchbearers — said in an open letter that she decided against taking part in the relay to "send a strong message to China that the world community could not accept its actions."

Chaiyo!! A very high Sakdina family member with a social conscience. Would someone please elevate her to Chao Fa status.

Well at least someone so far has a heart to say no. Nice to see the torchbearers were chosen on well earnt merit. Who are the other 5?

[geriatrickid]

Narisa Chakrabongse - Now that's a lady. Just when I think people in Thailand don't care, she pops up to say, hey I care.

[Shah Jahan]

What days are Songkran?

it will be winding down around the 18th, but water throwing will still be fair game.

[donna]

Narisa Chakrabongse — one of the country's six torchbearers — said in an open letter that she decided against taking part in the relay to "send a strong message to China that the world community could not accept its actions."

wonderful to see. lets hope that more people follow her example.

[OM3N]

What days are Songkran?

it will be winding down around the 18th, but water throwing will still be fair game.

Beat me to it!

[younghusband]

Narisa Chakrabongse — one of the country's six torchbearers — said in an open letter that she decided against taking part in the relay to "send a strong message to China that the world community could not accept its actions."

wonderful to see. lets hope that more people follow her example.

Not very likely as a propos Tibet, the Thai establishment:

1.Can't see in most cases what all the fuss is about

2.Has a craven (can I say arse licking) and subservient attititude to China

Edited March 27, 2008 by younghusband

[Johpa]

2.Has a craven (can I say arse licking) and subservient attititude to China

As a Buddhist country that once denied a visa to the Dalai Lama in order to assuage the feelings of the Emperors in Beijing, I would think that "arse licking" implies far more independence of thought on the part of the governors of the southern most province (monthon) than is warranted.