BANGKOK: -- The Thai government will conduct an Olympic torch relay next week, and believes there will be no violent protests over China's crackdown in Tibet as had happened in some other cities.

Maj-Gen. Sanan Kachornprasart, Deputy Prime Minister said in his capacity as chairman of the torch relay organising committee that the Olympic torch arrival is scheduled on April 18 .

HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will graciously attend the ceremony in the evening.

Maj-Gen. Sanan said the Olympic torch run would start on April 19 at Chinatown and pass several important sites such as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Ministry of Defence, Chitralada Palace, Government House, and will end at the Royal Plaza.

Thailand is one of 20 countries chosen to host the torch relay. The deputy prime minister asked Thai people to observe the event.

Speaking about the anti-China protests that disrupted the torch relay in some countries, Gen. Sanan said he was confident no violent protest will erupt. He also indicated that there is no report of Thai nationals' movement to stage a protest however, he admitted that some foreigners may demonstrate.

He said agencies concerned cooperated to handle that and he believed that there won't be any turmoil.

Meanwhile, Zhang Jiuhuan, China's ambassador to Thailand, said that he was satisfied with Thailand 's readiness to organise the torch relay and he believed that the event will go smoothly and successfully.

--TNA 2008-04-11