2017 SU Torch Relay reaches Bangkok

BANGKOK – The Torch Relay of the 2017 Summer Universiade in Taipei City reached Bangkok, a former host city of the Universiade. Indeed, a decade ago, in 2007, Thailand hosted the 24^th edition of the FISU Summer Games. The Universiade flame for the Taipei 2017 Universiade was lit at the University of Turin in Italy on 20 June. Then, the relay was held in the city that will stage the next Summer Universiade, Naples, on 22 June. For the third stop on the relay the flame went to an Asian city for the first time, in casu Bangkok, Thailand. The torch relay in Bangkok was planned by the University Sports Board of Thailand (USBT), the national member of FISU. On 25 June, the relay was held at the second oldest university of Thailand, Thammasat University- Rangsit Campus. Over 500 students from six universities were mobilized for the occasion, which showcased the unique culture of the four regions of Thailand (North, North-East, Central, and South).

USBT planned comprehensively for the torch relay and chose the second oldest university of Thailand, Thammasat University – Rangsit Campus, as the venue for the relay. The university was established in 1934 and the founder, Professor Pridi Banomyong aimed to set up a university for the study of law and political science, allowing people of Thailand to become familiar with the new democratic system. There are various sports facilities in Rangsit Campus, among which the sports centre was a venue for both the 1998 Asian Games and the 2007 Universiade. 

The Bangkok torch relay was jointly held on the morning of 25 June by Thammasat University, Chulalongkorn University, and four other universities. It is worth noting that Chulalongkorn University was the oldest and most prestigious university in Thailand. Together, they mobilized over 500 students for this special event. The starting point was the Conference Center on Rangsit Campus, and the route then passed well-known local landmarks such as Dome Administration Building and Buddha Pavilion. Many of the architectures passed were beautiful and had a distinctive Thai charm. The relay route was around four kilometres long. Performances were arranged at the start and end of the relay by Thammasat University and Chulalongkorn University, respectively. The relay effectively introduced Taipei Universiade to people of Thailand.

The next and final stop of the overseas torch relay is Daegu, Korea in Northeast Asia, the 2003 Summer Universiade host.

(Source: 2017 SU OC)