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Thai king gives birthday audience | |
(15 minutes later) | |
Celebrations are taking place across Thailand to mark the 82nd birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. | Celebrations are taking place across Thailand to mark the 82nd birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. |
The king has granted an audience to royal family members and politicians at the royal palace - the first time he has left hospital since mid-September. | |
The monarch's health is a sensitive topic in Thailand, where strict laws restrict debate about the royal family. | The monarch's health is a sensitive topic in Thailand, where strict laws restrict debate about the royal family. |
A traditional eve of birthday address and a military parade were postponed indefinitely. | |
Anxiety | Anxiety |
Thousands of people lined the streets to watch the king's motorcade pass after he left hospital. | |
Dressed in formal regalia of white uniform, he was seen to wave to crowds from the window of his vehicle. | |
State television has shown pre-recorded footage of the audience at the palace with the king on a throne, wearing a gold-braided tunic over his uniform. | |
Millions of Thais are hoping for signs that the man often described as the one truly unifying figure in a politically divided country is on the road to recovery. | |
King Bhumibol, the world's longest serving monarch, is treated with reverent devotion. | King Bhumibol, the world's longest serving monarch, is treated with reverent devotion. |
His portrait hangs in shops, offices and on roadside billboards. | His portrait hangs in shops, offices and on roadside billboards. |
Thais stand respectfully for the royal anthem - played in cinemas before every screening of every movie. | Thais stand respectfully for the royal anthem - played in cinemas before every screening of every movie. |
His birthday is a time of national celebration, but this year there has been unspoken anxiety because of the king's hospital stay. | |
Palace sources say he has had a respiratory problem and loss of appetite. | |
Two years ago, royal astrologers decreed that the colour pink was auspicious for the king's wellbeing. | Two years ago, royal astrologers decreed that the colour pink was auspicious for the king's wellbeing. |
In recent days, as the king's birthday approached, increasing numbers of Thais have been seen sporting bright pink shirts. | In recent days, as the king's birthday approached, increasing numbers of Thais have been seen sporting bright pink shirts. |