Thai king turns 87 in hospital, cancels public appearance

Bangkok: Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest reigning monarch, turned 87 today but had to cancel plans to hold an annual audience on doctors’ advice.
Hundreds of his well wishers gathered outside the hospital, where the king has been undergoing treatment, to catch a glimpse and greet their beloved ruler. A team of doctors at the Siriraj Hospital had advised the king to cancel an audience with Royal Family members, government officials and members of the public at the Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall, a statement by the Royal Household Bureau said.
Indian Ambassador Harsh Vardan Shringla went to the Grand Palace this morning to sign the diary to wish and greet the Monarch on his birthday. The Thai capital is awash with yellow    flags, the royal colour, while huge portraits of the king adorn most buildings as the
Thais got together to wish their king. Hundreds of his well wishers were disappointed not to catch a glimpse of the revered ruler, as they camped outside the hospital since on Thursday.
The Royal bureau statement said the doctors checked King Bhumibol’s condition yesterday and decided that he should cancel the audience on Friday.
The king has spent most of the last few months in the hospital. In October the king underwent an operation to remove his gall bladder. The King’s birthday, also known as “Father’s Day” in Thailand, is a public holiday and Thais traditionally wear the royal yellow as a sign of devotion to the dearly loved monarch. Both the king and the queen were to hold the audience this morning. (PTI)