Thailand’s king makes his first public appearance after more than a month in hospital.

Ailing Thai king makes public appearance

BANGKOK — Thailand’s 81-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej appeared in public Friday for the first time since he was hospitalized more than a month ago, providing welcome relief among well-wishers in this politically divided nation.

His appearance follows a pronouncement by the palace — which had been giving daily updates on his condition — that Bhumibol’s health was “stable.” The king’s health is an extremely sensitive topic in Thailand, in large part because of concerns about his succession.

He is a constitutional king with no formal political role, but he has repeatedly brought calm in times of political turbulence. After 62 years on the throne, he is considered a moral authority and a unifying figure for Thailand.

Wearing a light-blue short-sleeved shirt, Bhumibol was wheeled in an electric wheelchair into a closed-off area on the ground floor of the hospital in Bangkok to garland the statues of his late parents. He looked alert and much the same as in previous public appearances. He raised his arm to greet the public as he was wheeled through the hospital corridor.

Hundreds of well-wishers shouted out, “Long Live The King,” and put their hands together in prayer.

Concern for his well-being reflects the reverence and affection the Thai public holds for the king, who ascended to the throne in 1946 and is the world’s longest-serving head of state. Bhumibol has taken an active role in rural development and is respected for helping the poor.

“I am so happy our royal father is better. I hope he leaves the hospital soon because Thailand needs him,” said a teary-eyed 62-year-old retired teacher Wasana Sriboomtham at the hospital.

The Bureau of Royal Household said in a statement late Wednesday that the king’s condition was stable and he was “physically stronger.” He will continue to take antibiotics, it said.

Thailand has endured more than three years of sometimes violent political turmoil and there is worry about what effect the loss of the king would have.

The king’s 57-year-old son and heir apparent, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, does not yet have that moral authority or the popularity of his father.

Bhumibol checked into Bangkok’s Siriraj Hospital on Sept. 19 with fever, fatigue and lack of appetite. The palace reported he was recovering from inflammation of the lungs and was in no danger, but the king’s disappearance from the public eye caused widespread concern among Thais.

Rumors about his health led to a short but sharp sell-off of shares on the Thai stocks last week.

Open discussion of the monarchy is constrained by strict lese majeste laws that make criticism of the monarchy punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

In 2007, Bhumibol was hospitalized for three weeks with symptoms of a minor stroke, and last December he was unable to make his traditional birthday speech due to what was said to be inflammation of the esophagus.