Guide Note

The Olympic Torch Relay continued to Bangkok on April 19, 2008, passing along the 6.3 mile route through the capital under heavy security observation.

Avoiding incidents of protest like those that marred the relay in Paris and San Francisco was a top priority of relay organizers in Bangkok. Prior to the relay, officials announced that they would cancel the visas of protesters that disrupted the event. The relay route was kept flexible so that it could respond to any protests that broke out. A police force of 2,000 officers shielded the event from a few small demonstrations.

A demonstration of approximately 100 Tibetan Independence activists was held during the torch relay events. This group was largely outnumbered by 300 red-shirted pro-China demonstrators. Thai police took care to keep the groups separate and away from relay events. No arrests were reported.

Fast Facts

1. Scheduled to arrive on April 19, 2008
2. 6.3 mile route through the capital
3. 8 runners expected to participate
4. Event lasted 4 hours
5. 100 Tibetan Independence activists staged a demonstration
6. 300 pro-China demonstrators also held a rally