April 19 (Reuters) - The Olympic torch relay takes place in Bangkok on Saturday, continuing its tour of Asia and Australia amid heightened security following a wave of anti-China protests during stopovers in Europe and the Americas.

The torch has drawn protests over China's policies, in particular its crackdown last month on unrest in Tibet and human rights in general.

ASIA/AUSTRALIA LEG

April 19 - Bangkok 21 - Kuala Lumpur 22 - Jakarta 24 - Canberra 26 - Nagano (Japan) 27 - Seoul 28 - Pyongyang 29 - Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)

CHINA* May 2 - Aug 8 Aug 8 - Beijing, Opening Ceremony

* A separate torch will be lit and an attempt will be made to take it up Mount Everest (Mount Qomolangma) on a day in May that presents the best climatic conditions. (Compiled by Nick Mulvenney and Liu Zhen; Editing by Jeremy Laurence)

AlertNet news is provided by