Thais waiting for word on King Bhumibol’s health pray, offer flowers
A woman prays for Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Siriraj Hospital where the king is being treated in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016. Hundreds of tearful Thais continue to offer flowers and chant prayers for the king outside the Bangkok hospital where the world’s longest-reigning monarch is being treated for multiple health problems. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn)
BANGKOK — Hundreds of tearful Thais on Thursday were continuing to offer flowers and chant prayers for King Bhumibol Adulyadej outside the Bangkok hospital where the world’s longest-reigning monarch is being treated for multiple health problems.
Thais wearing pink and yellow shirts in the king’s honor have gathered outside Siriraj Hospital since Sunday, when the royal palace described his health as “unstable.” The palace said in a statement late Wednesday that the king’s blood pressure had dropped, his liver and kidneys were not working properly and he remained on a ventilator.
Saranya Chungsuvanich came to the hospital Thursday after hearing about the king’s condition.
“I feel that our king is like my father,” she said. “Every day, I will pray at home, but I feel that I should be here, very close to him. … I hope that he will feel better, in no time.”
“The news yesterday was not so great,” said Sopavadee Sankosik, a music school owner from Bangkok. “So I think if we come here and we all pray, and give him well wishes, there will be a miracle.”
The highly revered Bhumibol has suffered from a variety of ailments related to old age, including kidney and lung problems.
Last week, doctors performed a hemodialysis to purify his blood. They also replaced a tube that drains excess cerebrospinal fluid.
Because Bhumibol has been king since 1946, there is great concern about the eventual succession. Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, who returned home from Germany on Wednesday, has not earned the same respect as his father.
The Thai stock market is down significantly this week amid worries about the king’s health, though it rose Thursday.
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