Being selected as the first torch bearer in the Bangkok leg of the global tour of the Beijing Olympic torch relay, Bangkok official Anant Siripasraporn could not hide his excitement when he appeared before media on Thursday at a press conference by Thail Olympic Committee.

Anant is representing Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to run the first leg of the Olympic torch relay in the Thai capital, one of the 21 cities in the global tour outside China's mainland.

"I'll be the first torch runner in the Bangkok relay," said Anant in an interview with Xinhua, with a proud smile. "I've been so excited even in my dreams ever since the moment they told me I was picked for this special honor. It reminded me of the remote day when I learned I was admitted to my dream university. I phoned my family, held a feast for my friends and received congratulations from all my acquaintances for the good news, just as I did at that time."

"Beijing's holding Olympics is a historical event for the world; Bangkok's being part of the Olympic Torch Relay is a historical event for Thailand; while for me, being the first torch runner for Bangkok will definitely a historical moment in my lifetime," said Anant.

The BMA is expecting an estimated more than 30,000 spectators to welcome the Olympic torch relay on Saturday.

Thousands of children and blooming flowers will line the Bangkok streets along the route on April 19, to embrace the Olympic Spirit carried by the Olympic flame, said Anant, who is member of the Bangkok organizing committee for Olympic torch relay.

"We want our next generation to be inspired for a deep understanding of the Olympic Spirit," said Anant.

The 10.4-km relay route, starting from the ceremonial "Chinese Gate" in Bangkok's century-old China Town, passing the city's famous landmarks and finishing at the ceremonial venue Royal Plaza, will be decorated with flowers and logos and slogan banners of the Beijing Olympics, said Anant Siripasraporn, Deputy Permanent Secretary for BMA.

The torch arrived in Bangkok on early Friday. A welcome ceremony will be held on April 19, and celebrations are organized on the relay day before the Olympic flame heads for the next stop Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Born in Thailand to a Chinese-immigrant family, Anant, in his 50s, views his being the torch bearer a glory for himself and his parents.

Explaining why the relay route starts from Chinese Gate on Yaowarat Road standing at the starting point of China Town area, Anant said China Town has a long history of 117 years, dated back in 1891, when then Thai King Rama V ordered the construction of the main street Yaowarat among others to accommodate the expanding community of Chinese immigrants swarming into Bangkok.

"The China Town has a history even longer than the modern Olympic Games, which was first held in 1896, and today it is not only the commercial center for Thai-Chinese businessmen, but also the symbolic site knotting the two nations. So it carries deep significance to set out the Beijing Olympics torch relay."

The relay route in Bangkok is designed to pass the Temple of Emerald Buddha, a symbol of Thailand's traditional culture, the Chitralada Palace -- the current royal residence of the highly-revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and end at the Royal Plaza, among other world-renowned landmarks, representing the good wishes from the Thai Royalty, the Thai government, the Thai people and the Thai capital for the Beijing Olympics, said Anant.

Speaking about reported disruptions during the Olympic torch relay legs in Paris and London, Anant expressed indignation.

"I really can't understand those people (who disturbed the torch relays)," said Anant. "The Olympic Games for me is a grand international sports event, a big party of human kind, which strengthens ties and exchange between people all around the world."

"But the reality we must live with is that there will be always those ill-intentioned people who attempt to destroy or disturb something, regardless of whatever event or wherever it is."

"We should not be worried or afraid of such kind of disturbance. As the saying goes, the evil will not conquer the good,"

"The Olympic flame is symbol of Olympic Spirit. We Thailanders also have this slogan for sports, 'learn how to win, learn how to lose, learn how to forgive.' With these beliefs, I'm confident Bangkok will successfully and beautifully hold the torch relay."

(Xinhua News Agency April 18, 2008)