King Bhumibol Steps Out

HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who has been hospitalised for a month in Bangkok, made a surprise public appearance on Friday in the garden of the Siriraj Hospital where he is being treated.

The King was wheeled down from his suite in an electric wheelchair, and raised his arm in response to greetings on the way down and in the garden. He appeared no worse than he has in the past, which will no doubt help dispel the fear that he is on his deathbed. Hundreds of well-wishers cheered when the King arrived, and shouted “Long live the King!” in a true display of the Thai affection for their monarch.

Once in the garden, King Bhumibol laid garlands on the statues of his parents, Prince Mahidol and Princess Srinagarindra of Songkhla. He also paid his respects to the statue of his grandfather, King Chulalongkorn. The late King’s death is marked by an annual public holiday, which was also celebrated on Friday.

In addition to the King’s public appearance, the Royal Committee of Physicians announced there would be no more daily bulletins on the King’s health, bulletins would only be released if his condition changes. “The general condition of the King is stable, he has gained strength and can eat and sleep as normal,” they said in a statement, adding the King still continues to undergo a course of antibiotics.

Click here to view the King’s current events thread.

Filed under Thailand
Tagged Health, Hospital, King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand.