BANGKOK
Thailand’s revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej will not make a public appearance Friday as part of celebrations for his 87th birthday on the advice of his medical team, local media reported.
The Royal Household Bureau released a statement confirming that ceremonies scheduled at the Grand Palace had been canceled, the Bangkok Post said.
“After an eventing medical examination, His Majesty's doctors have requested that the King not leave the hospital today for an audience at the Amarin Vinitchai Hall," the announcement said.
During the national holiday, thousands of Thais had flocked to the area around Siriraj Hospital, where the world's longest-reigning monarch has been receiving treatment following an operation in October to remove his gall bladder, and the Grand Palace.
The Post quoted Udom Kachintorn, dean of Siriraj’s medicine faculty, as saying the hospital had supplied space for those wishing to see the monarch.
“The presence of Thais turning up to welcome His Majesty will greatly boost His Majesty's morale,” he added.
Other celebrations are still to go ahead as Thais mark their much-loved monarch's birthday.
Anxiety over the succession of King Bhumibol has been mounting recently amid his declining health.
Bhumibol came to the throne in 1946 and is seen as key to the stability of Thailand, where he holds a revered, quasi-religious status.
His only son, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, is next in line to the throne but is far less popular than his father, who is viewed as a unifying figure.
www.aa.com.tr/en
