Thai leg of Olympic torch relay route gets off to peaceful start

Thailand's leg of the Olympic torch run got off to a peaceful start Saturday, as thousands of flag-waving supporters in Bangkok's Chinatown celebrated while a lone protester
stood nearby.

From a stage by a large red Chinese-style gate, Thai dignitaries and the Chinese ambassador delivered brief speeches praising their countries' ties as athletes stood holding the torch.

Many in the festive crowd of onlookers waved Chinese and Thai flags.

A sole dissenter, a Western woman, carried a pictue of the Dalai Lama, Tibet's exiled spiritual leader. Some members of the crowd shouted "get out," but no violence broke out.

Protests over China's crackdown on anti-government riots in Tibet have dogged the torch relay at various stops on its way to the Olympics' opening ceremony in August in Beijing.

Security was tight in Bangkok but not overwhelming despite concerns about possible disruptions. Police mostly handled crowd control and directed traffic.

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin was among the guests to briefly held the torch after it was lit.

He then passed it to a subordinate dressed in portswear, Anant Siripasraporn, who began the run through the streets of the capital. Many onlookers followed on foot.

Thai authorities had beefed up security in Bangkok's historic center with 2,000 police and barricades to protect the Olympic torch from protesters along its 10.5-kilometer route. Hundreds
of crowd control and security personnel were alsexpected to be deployed.

Bangkok Metropolitan Police Chief Asawin Kwanmuang said police will also ask officials to check buildings for anti-China signs or banners.

Gen. Yuttasak Sasiprapha, president of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, said officials are especially concerned about protesters possibly emerging from small alleyways when the torch passes them.

Growing criticism of China's human rights record has turned the Olympics into one of the most contentious in recent history.

Thai authorities had warned earlier that any foreign activists who tried to disrupt the relay would be deported.