Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on Tuesday expressed confidence about the Beijing Olympic Games, saying he believed that China is ready to host the event successfully.

Samak made the remarks during a meeting with Liu Qi, chairman of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG), at Diaoyutai State Guest House.

With roughly one month before the Games start, Beijing is almost ready as the host, said Liu. He also voiced hopes for closer cooperative ties with the Thai people to make fresh efforts for a special, high-level Olympic Games, and for deepening friendship between the two peoples and promoting common development of the two countries.

Liu expressed thanks for Thailand's support during the Olympic torch relay in Bangkok and wished Thai athletes will perform well during the Beijing Olympic Games.

Thailand plans to send some 40 athletes to participate in the Games, according to Samak.

Samak and Princess Sirindhorn will attend the opening ceremony of the event scheduled for Aug. 8.

Meanwhile, Samak also expressed admiration for the Chinese government's quick relief efforts after the devastating earthquake in Sichuan Province, saying that he believed China would win the battle against the catastrophe.

It is Samak's first China trip since he was appointed prime minister in January.

(Xinhua News Agency July 2, 2008)