Thailand's Olympic delegation returned to Bangkok Monday after completing their mission in Beijing where the Olympic Games 2008 closed on Sunday.
The squad, led by gold and silver boxing medalists Somjit Jongjohor and Manus Boonjumnong, arrived at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport to be welcomed by the athletes' families and a crowd of well wishers.
"I finally won an Olympic gold medal after longing patiently for 12 years. I am already 33 years old. My achievement today partly comes from all the Thai people who have always given me moral support wherever I go. I would like to give this victory to all Thais," said Somjit, quoted by Thai News Agency.
Somjit won the flyweight 51kg category title in Beijing.
Manus Boonjumnong, who failed to defend his title won at the Athens 2004 Games but settled at a silver in Beijing, thanked his compatriots for their support.
"I would like to thank all Thais who gave me chance to prove myself... I won my silver medal for all the Thai people," he said.
After the welcome ceremony at the airport, the Thai medalists were in limousines on a parade along the road from the airport to Supachalasai National Stadium. A huge number of people greeted and welcomed their Olympics heroes along the streets.
The Tourism and Sports Ministry held a welcoming dinner for the athletes at the National Stadium. On Wednesday, the government is scheduled to host an official welcome banquet at Government House.
(Xinhua News Agency August 26, 2008)