Ailing king in call for calm
Source: Agencies |
December 6, 2009, Sunday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
THAILAND'S aging monarch addressed the nation yesterday for the first time since being hospitalized more than two months ago, marking his 82nd birthday with a call for "calm" in the politically turbulent country.
The world's longest-reigning monarch, regarded as semi-divine by many of Thailand's 67 million people, has been in hospital since September 19 and made a one-hour trip to Bangkok's Grand Palace for a ceremony attended by top royal officials and politicians.
Crowds of well-wishers greeted King Bhumibol Adulyadej as he left Siriraj Hospital in a wheelchair, accompanied by Queen Sirikit and dressed in ceremonial garb.
The king, the sole unifying figure in a country plagued by decades of political upheaval, has been receiving physical therapy after suffering pneumonia, fatigue and fever.
He has appeared in public twice since he was admitted, both times in a wheelchair in the grounds of the hospital. His disappearance from public view in his longest hospital stay in recent memory has left many of his people nervous.
Thousands lined the streets waving flags as the royal motorcade passed by, two hours later than scheduled, cheering as the king raised his hand to greet the crowds.
In a brief address shown on all local television channels, King Bhumibol thanked his people for their support throughout his time in hospital and urged all Thais to work for the good of the country.
Although the king's speeches are often nuanced, his comments carry much weight in Thailand, where he commands huge influence and moral authority.
The world's longest-reigning monarch, regarded as semi-divine by many of Thailand's 67 million people, has been in hospital since September 19 and made a one-hour trip to Bangkok's Grand Palace for a ceremony attended by top royal officials and politicians.
Crowds of well-wishers greeted King Bhumibol Adulyadej as he left Siriraj Hospital in a wheelchair, accompanied by Queen Sirikit and dressed in ceremonial garb.
The king, the sole unifying figure in a country plagued by decades of political upheaval, has been receiving physical therapy after suffering pneumonia, fatigue and fever.
He has appeared in public twice since he was admitted, both times in a wheelchair in the grounds of the hospital. His disappearance from public view in his longest hospital stay in recent memory has left many of his people nervous.
Thousands lined the streets waving flags as the royal motorcade passed by, two hours later than scheduled, cheering as the king raised his hand to greet the crowds.
In a brief address shown on all local television channels, King Bhumibol thanked his people for their support throughout his time in hospital and urged all Thais to work for the good of the country.
Although the king's speeches are often nuanced, his comments carry much weight in Thailand, where he commands huge influence and moral authority.
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