LIVERPOOL FC fever broke out in Thailand as the soccer stars kicked off the first leg of their Asian tour.

The players touched down in the capital, Bangkok, at 3pm local time and headed to their hotel after the 10-hour flight from Vienna.

Despite heavy security, about 100 fans camped out in the foyer of the Grand Hyatt Hotel Grawan to catch a glimpse of their Kop idols.

Swathed in flags, banners and scarves, despite the soaring temperatures, the Thai supporters have underlined the depth of support for the club in the Far East.

A media frenzy last night saw about 100 press, broadcast and radio people quiz Rafael Benitez, Jamie Carragher and Ryan Babel at the team’s first conference.

Benitez was probed on the future of Spanish midfield maestro Xabi Alonso, but refused to be drawn.

Liverpool Daily Post photographer Colin Lane, who is on Thailand, said: “Some of the fans pose a surreal sight with their LFC- branded Swine Flu masks.

“It’s about 33 degrees here and extremely humid but the fans have given an even warmer welcome.” The players and management also found time to go to a local sports club before attending an official reception at the hotel.