I did my best : Butree

Beijing silver medallist Buttree Puedphong returned home to a warm reception yesterday. The 17-year-old made the country proud by sealing what was the second medal Thailand won in the Korean martial art at the Olympics.

Yaowapa Boorapolchai took bronze in Athens four years ago.

Even though her chances appeared slim on her Olympic debut, the teenager impressively fought her way to the final in the women's under 49 kg category.

She lost in the final to world champion Wu Jingyu of China.

Buttree or "Nong Song" may have failed to return with the gold but she captured hearts with her fighting spirit.

On her way to Bangkok, Buttree was given special treatment from her Thai Airways staff. She got a cake and a bottle of champagne. They laid on special dishes including pla kung, or spicy shrimp salad with herbs.

Chaos at airport

At Suvarnabhumi Airport, Buttree's arrival caused a mini chaos, as the crowd - among it her classmates from Sattree Mahaphrtaram School - scrambled to catch a glimpse of her while she made her way to a stage for welcoming formalities.

"I'm grateful to everyone who has helped me to have these days. Without these people, I could not stand where I am today," says Buttree.

Asked to recall her goldmedal bout, Buttree explains she was "a bit nervous. Trying to ease those nerves I told myself to give it all. And, I did my best in the fight."

Because she is still young means Buttree should have more opportunities for a chance of Olympic glory. "I hope to contest the next Games in London. However, it depends on whether I will get the chance to represent the country. There are many good athletes.

The best should be the person who gets the chance to compete on such a big stage."

Buttree says she will present her medal to Their Majesties the King and Queen.

Meanwhile, there will be a parade of the Olympicmedal winners when the boxers, led by gold medallist Somjit Jongjohor, return home today.

A double decker bus with the athletes aboard will depart the airport at around 2.30pm.

It will take the expressway to Phloenchit Road. The parade then travels along the Rama I, passing through several of the capital's shopping spots such as Siam Paragon and MBK, before ending up at the Nimitrbut indoor stadium, where and official welcome will be held.