Organizers of the Thailand Golf Championship said Thursday the event would go ahead with the full complement of star players despite violent protests in Bangkok.

The tournament's organizing committee said it had taken advice from government departments and the police after a wave of demonstrations gripped the capital.

Justin Rose, Bubba Watson, Henrik Stenson, Charl Schwartzel and Rickie Fowler are the headline acts already confirmed for next week's tournament at Amata Spring Country Club east of Bangkok.

"The safety and well-being of every individual involved with the Thailand Golf Championship is the No.1 priority for the organizing committee," a statement said.

"We are looking forward to hosting all players and fans at the third edition of the Thailand Golf Championship next week."

The statement added that "all players announced over the past few weeks [are] committed to traveling to Bangkok."

"All stakeholders in the tournament, including sponsors, partners and the Asian Tour, are being kept fully up to date on relevant issues," it said.

"The organizing committee will continue to liaise with key decision-makers to ensure all concerns are addressed and that the championship remains safe, and enjoyable, for all participating ­players and attending fans."

Anti-government protesters have been fighting street battles with police as political violence returns to Bangkok, three years after dozens died in a crackdown on mass rallies.

Barbed wire and barricades have sprung up around the city after ­protesters clashed with police, who fired tear gas, water cannon and rubber ­bullets earlier this week.

The $1 million tournament, the Asian Tour's final event until the season concludes in January, will be held outside Bangkok and well away from the scene of the protests. It was first held in ­December 2011.

AFP - Global Times