An honorable member of the Coffee Shop Has Just Posted the Following:
BANGKOK: Thailand King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest serving monarch at more than six decades, has cancelled an appearance to mark his 87th birthday, but supporters still gathered Friday (Dec 5) outside of the Grand Palace holding his portrait to honor his status as unifying father figure in the politically unstable country.
A crowd of well-wishers had even camped out overnight at Siriraj Hospital, where the King is staying.The king had been scheduled for a public appearance at the Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall inside the Grand Palace along with other members of the royal family. But according to palace officials, his doctors had requested that he cancel the event as he is recovering from recent gallbladder surgery.
"I see these pictures every year so I wanted to be a part of this even if I don't get to see the king," one well-wisher said in Thai to Channel News Asia. Thailand has seen sharp political turmoil this year with the army taking over in a coup six months ago amid corruption allegations against deposed premier Yingluck Shinawatra.
- CNA/el
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