Japanese temple rejects torch relay

A Buddhist temple has withdrawn from plans to host Japan's opening stage of the Olympic torch relay, officials say.

Zenkoji Temple, in the city of Nagano, had been due to serve as the starting point for the parade on 26 April.

An official said the monks were worried about safety, but another report suggested they were acting out of concern over recent unrest in Tibet.

Meanwhile the torch has arrived in Thailand in preparation for a parade through the capital city, Bangkok.

The relay has been dogged by protests over Tibet, with chaotic scenes in London, Paris and San Francisco.