by Shen Min, Ling Shuo

    BANGKOK, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- "I believe the Chinese are determined to host not just a sports event, but a spectacular fun-fest for people around the whole world to take part in," a senior Thai Olympic official told Xinhua.

    Varin Tansuphasiri, the 68-year-old vice secretary-general of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, who has accompanied the Thai mission to six Games since the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, said he made the judgement not out of imagination, but "because I have witnessed how the Chinese have organized important regional or global sports events in the past."

    "I've read from the numerous reports about the preparation work of the Beijing Olympics -- those about the building of hard and soft infrastructure and the overwhelming support displayed by the whole nation," he told Xinhua in a recent interview.

    "My impression is that the Chinese conduct these big events with utmost swiftness, thoroughness and fastidiousness. The most recent example is the 2002 Universiade in Beijing, which, I would say, is the best in the games' history. You simply couldn't have picked any holes in their work."

    Varin mentioned that he noticed that, with Aug. 8 drawing near, some concerns were voiced over the security issue at the Beijing Olympics, which he deemed totally unnecessary.

    "I really don't understand why people have to be so worried. You don't need to create a fear, but rather you should have trust in the host, who has shown us their enthusiasm and determination to successfully present one of the best Games ever."

    Talking about his upcoming trip to Beijing, Varin said jokingly, "I've been to six Olympics, but I feel particularly excited about this upcoming Games in Beijing. I can't explain why, maybe for theBeijing roast duck or something."

    Most members of Thailand's 51-strong delegation for the Beijing Olympics will leave Bangkok mostly in the next two days (Aug. 3-4)to compete in 12 events.

    The weightlifting team had set off earlier.

    "Some of our finest stars have retired after the 2004 Athens Olympics, so our performance in Beijing may not live up to what we have achieved in Athens," said Varin, who conceded that prospect for the Thai mission might not be very impressive.

    "Nevertheless, we had not expected we would have brought three golds back to Thailand before we left for Athens four years ago. On the sports field, nothing is impossible. Besides strength, you need some opportunities, plus a little bit of luck, to win."

    No high aim was set, or surprise planned, yet still hopeful, he said.

    "We don't expect any dark horse (to emerge in the Games), but we count on where we traditionally have strengths, like in boxing and weightlifting."

    The senior official added that he hopes Thai boxers who will compete in the Beijing Olympics could make it to the last with great performances.

Special report: 2008 Olympic Games