China calls for better torch run security

BANGKOK, April 12 (UPI) -- Chinese officials have asked that security precautions for the Olympic torch run in Thailand be upgraded to prevent any possible protests, sources say.

Diplomatic and security sources say that with the Olympic torch being targeted worldwide by pro-Tibet demonstrators, the Chinese embassy in Bangkok has called for tighter security measures when it arrives in the Thai capital, The Bangkok Post reported Saturday.

"The strong protests in western countries have caused the Chinese embassy big headaches, and they are seeking close cooperation from the Thai side to prevent any undesirable fallout during the two-day (torch relay) event," one anonymous source said.

The torch will arrive in Bangkok, along with its 150-member Chinese delegation, next Friday.

The official portion of the torch relay in Bangkok will begin next Saturday as 80 Thai participants pass the Olympic trademark during their historic journey.

The Post said nearly 100 protesters are expected to take part in a pro-Tibet demonstration along the torch run route in Bangkok.