Thailand’s revered monarch urged the new government to make peace its priority, breaking months of silence about the political turmoil that shut down Bangkok’s airports and sparked deadly violence in the streets.

Thailand successfully hosted its leg of the Olympic torch relay today, as minor anti-Chinese protests remained peaceful and thousands of people followed the flame through the streets of the Thai capital, Bangkok.

Thailand’s leg of the Olympic torch run got off to a peaceful start today, as thousands of flag-waving supporters in Bangkok’s Chinatown celebrated while a lone protester stood nearby.