BANGKOK, April 12: Thailand will take appropriate measures to ensure the Olympic Torch Relay in Bangkok goes smoothly next week, Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama said on Saturday, adding politics had no place in the games.

Newspapers reported the Chinese embassy had asked the Thai government for tighter security measures to fend off possible protests by pro-Tibet activists during the relay on April 19.

“A peaceful protest can be done in accordance with the constitution,” Noppadon said in statement.

“Thai authorities will undertake appropriate measures to ensure that the Olympic Torch Relay in Thailand can proceed smoothly.”—Reuters