As the 24th Universiade approaches, the Organizing Committee has assembled the military forces, special forces of the local police and private organizations to secure a safe event in Bangkok, a Committee official said on Sunday.

Security issue has become one of the top concerns for the Universiade, amid continuous explosions in southern provinces of the country. On Aug. 2, eleven people, including two soldiers, were killed in an ambush and several explosions in southern provinces Pattani.

"Though we insist that the students should play the major role in the Universiade, the professional personnel will take charge of the security work to ensure the safety of all our guests," said Dr. Santiparb Tejavanija, member of the Organizing Committee.

"Personnel of each force are all experienced professionals, who had taken part in the security work for the APEC summit and the Bangkok Asian Games. We are convinced that they are capable of handling the job," he added.

Over 4,000 athletes and officials from 45 countries and regions have arrived in Bangkok by Saturday. There will be 20 more delegations reaching the humid but vibrant Southeast Asian metropolis today.

"I'm afraid that the security people will be a bit annoying during the games, but I hope that our guests will understand. It is all for their own safety after all Tejavanija, also vice mayor of Bangkok, said.

He also stressed that the Thai people were ready to offer the best hospitality to all athletes and officials, despite the unexpected surplus of arrivals from all over the world.

"Up till now, there is a large number of unregistered arrivals of delegation members, which has caused us lots of troubles in accommodation arrangements. But we will handle the problem carefully," he said.

The excessive guests also makes the security work more difficult for the Organizing Committee. However, everything is "in good shape so far," said the vice mayor.

The 24th Universiade will be held in Bangkok from Aug. 8 to 18. Over 160 countries and regions will attend the biggest University sports event, which is the last international multi-sport games prior to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Source: Xinhua