Thailand’s 87-year-old king makes rare appearance

Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej. AFP FILE PHOTO / FILES / Pornchai KITTIWONGSAKUL

BANGKOK — Thailand’s 87-year-old monarch has made a rare public appearance to mark the 65th anniversary celebrating his coronation.

READ: Hospitalized Thai king makes rare public appearance

Thais lined the roads of Bangkok’s historic district on Tuesday chanting, “Long Live the King!” as the revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej was driven from the hospital, where he has taken up residence, to the Grand Palace.

READ: Thailand’s king suffering from infected colon

The king has been hospitalized since last October when he had his gallbladder removed. It was the latest ailment for the king, who has faded from public life over the past several years and on rare appearances is seated in a wheelchair.

Thais hold great affection for Bhumibol (poo-MEE-pohn), who took the throne in 1946. His official coronation came in 1950.

Worries about the king’s health and succession have contributed to Thailand’s political instability over the past decade.