Jiang Xiaoyu (L), chief of the Beijing Olympic Flame delegation, presents a "Lucky Clouds" Olympic Torch as a gift to Thailand's crown princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in Bangkok April 18, 2008.

Thailand's crown princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over a welcome party on Friday evening for the Beijing Olympic Flame delegation who arrived here early Friday morning.

During her talk with the delegation chief Jiang Xiaoyu, Princess Sirindhorn, the second daughter of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej known for her keen interest in Chinese culture, said she was looking forward to attending the opening ceremony of Beijing Olympic Games on August 8 on behalf of the King, and that she believed the relay in Bangkok will be smoothly and successfully held.

Jiang, also vice president of the Beijing Organizing Committee of Olympic Games, presented a "Lucky Clouds" Olympic Torch as a gift to the Princess and thanked for her support for the torch relay.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kajornprasart, as chairman of the Olympics Torch Relay Organizing Committee of Thailand, said it is an important event and a first-time opportunity for Thailand to host the torch relay.

Some 300 guests, including the 80 torchbearers of Thailand, executives of state agencies and representatives of the mass media attended the welcoming ceremony on Friday evening at the Kasikorn bank's Bangkok headquarters.

Starting on Saturday afternoon, the 80 torchbearers will run through a 10.4-km-route of Bangkok that covers the city's most renown landmarks and historic sites.