Thai king leaves hospital for birthday speech

BANGKOK – Thailand’s frail king, the world’s longest reigning monarch, left the hospital where he has been staying for more than two years on Monday and addressed his subjects to mark his 84th birthday.

Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is widely revered across the kingdom, was greeted by thousands of chanting and flag-waving Thais as he left the hospital in a wheelchair and was taken by motorcade to Bangkok’s Grand Palace.

In a speech from the palace balcony, the king — who has reigned for 65 years — called for national unity, especially in the face of the recent devastating flooding that has left at least 675 people dead.

“It’s the duty of everyone to help solve the people’s troubles at full capacity, particularly people suffering from floods at this moment,” he said, calling for sustainable water management projects.

In the remarks televised live, he added that “the most important thing is that there must be no conflicts. Support each other as is needed to achieve goals for the benefit of the people and the nation’s security.”

The king was admitted to hospital in September 2009 for treatment of a respiratory condition and has rarely left, aside from a few public appearances.

Any discussion of the royal family is extremely sensitive in politically turbulent Thailand, where the palace has also been silent over the organisation of the king’s succession.

Under Thai law, anyone convicted of insulting the king, queen, heir or regent faces up to 15 years in prison on each count.

Last month, a 61-year-old Thai man was jailed for 20 years for sending text messages deemed insulting to the monarchy — a ruling that drew staunch criticism from rights groups and the European Union.

The monarch has no official political role but is seen as a unifying figure in a country that is frequently riven by political unrest, and his birthday is marked by country-wide celebrations, a public holiday and Thai Father’s Day.

Bhumibol’s 84th birthday is considered particularly auspicious as it marks the completion of his seventh 12-year-cycle.