Reuters, Bangkok :
Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej canceled a public appearance on his 87th birthday on Friday on the advice of doctors, disappointing thousands camped outside the hospital hoping for a glimpse of the world’s longest-reigning monarch.
The cancellation fuels mounting concern over the health of King Bhumibol, a god-like figure for many and widely seen as a unifying figure through years of political unrest.
It also comes at a sensitive time for the Southeast Asian nation, six months after the army took over in a coup and amid a widening corruption investigation that has led to the arrest of relatives of Princess Srirasmi, the wife of the Crown Prince.
The king’s birthday is also known as “Father’s Day” in Thailand and is a public holiday.
King Bhumibol was admitted to Bangkok’s Siriraj Hospital in October and underwent an operation to remove his gallbladder.
“A team of royal physicians … agreed that he is not ready to grant a royal audience and therefore doctors have recommended he cancel royal activities,” the Royal Household Bureau said in a statement.
Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej canceled a public appearance on his 87th birthday on Friday on the advice of doctors, disappointing thousands camped outside the hospital hoping for a glimpse of the world’s longest-reigning monarch.
The cancellation fuels mounting concern over the health of King Bhumibol, a god-like figure for many and widely seen as a unifying figure through years of political unrest.
It also comes at a sensitive time for the Southeast Asian nation, six months after the army took over in a coup and amid a widening corruption investigation that has led to the arrest of relatives of Princess Srirasmi, the wife of the Crown Prince.
The king’s birthday is also known as “Father’s Day” in Thailand and is a public holiday.
King Bhumibol was admitted to Bangkok’s Siriraj Hospital in October and underwent an operation to remove his gallbladder.
“A team of royal physicians … agreed that he is not ready to grant a royal audience and therefore doctors have recommended he cancel royal activities,” the Royal Household Bureau said in a statement.
