The Olympic torch relay brought abundant cheers and festivity Saturday to Bangkok, the "City of Smile", with a mass of crowds flocking to the street, jamming the flame passing route interspersed with the city's most renowned landmarks and historic sites.

The launching ceremony was staged in the Chinese Gate, which was built in 1999 to celebrate HM the King's 6th Cycle Anniversary at the former Odeon-Fountain site. It was a collaboration in China town between the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Thai-Chinese Association.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kajornprasart, chairman of the Olympics Torch Relay Organizing Committee of Thailand, delivered a speech in the setting-off ceremony.

"It is an important event and a first-time opportunity for Thailand to host the torch relay," said Kaiornprasart.

"We have been supporting the Beijing Olympic Games since its bidding seven years ago. It's a great privilege for Thailand and Bangkok to be one of the stop-over for the Olympic flame.

"In spite of the occurrence of attaching politics to sports in a few earlier relays, to us, we would stick to the principle of separating politics from sports, and ensure a memorable relay here."

The highlighting sites en route include Sakchaiyasithi Gate, Democracy Monument, UN office, Chitralada Palace, Ananthasamakom Throne Hall. Historical sights along the route consist of China Town street, Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Budda, City Pillar Shrine, Royal Field, Mae Phra Thorani, Maha Jessada Bodin Pavilion Ground, Golden Mount and Chitralada Royal Residence.

All five Olympic champions in Thailand's history were selected to bear the torch , namely Manus Boonjumnong, Somluck Kamsing, Udomporn Polsak, Vijan Polnlid and Pawina Thongsuk.

Three of the five are boxing champions with Manus Boonjumnong in the light welterweight (64kg) in the Athens Olympics, Somluck Kamsing in the featherweight (57kg) in the Atlanta Games and Vijan Polnlid in flyweight (51kg) in the Sydney Olympics.