STORY KING BHUMIBOL.

The health of Thailand's hospitalised 82-year-old king has been "normal" for some time, the palace said on Monday, in its first statement about the revered monarch's condition in more than seven weeks.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand's sole unifying figure through decades of political upheaval, has been receiving physical rehabilitation in a Bangkok hospital, where he has been treated since Sept. 19 for a fatigue and lung inflammation.
Uncertainty about his health sparked a steep fall in stock prices .SETI and the baht currency on Oct. 14 and 15. Markets recovered after the palace said the king's health was improving.Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has said his politically divided nation would be better off if it stopped relying on the widely revered king to intervene in times of difficulty.
Speaking to the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand, Abhisit said the country had "struggled at times of crisis to solve problems", in which 82-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej's role had been "critical, crucial, vital".
He noted in particular events of 1992, when the King publicly admonished the then-PM and a protest leader to end bloody clashes in Bangkok. The monarch has also made more recent calls for unity to prevent the country's collapse.
"Now what I'm saying is that it would be better if we can all resolve these issues without having to rely on His Majesty's interventions, even though they are always within the framework of the constitution. It will take time," Abhisit said late Thursday.
(...) Rights activists have criticised a sharp rise in the number of accusations of insulting the monarchy, punishable by up to 15 years in jail under a tough lese majeste law designed to protect the royal family.
But Abhisit said a new advisory board on the law would "create clarity".
"I hope in not too long, perhaps a few months' time, there will be clear guidance and a lot of cases that are sitting with the police and attorney general will be cleared," he said.
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Thailand politics Abhisit Vejjajiva Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej
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His Majesty the King last night said public officials should be strongly determined to perform their duties to the best of their ability, to maintain peace in the country.
His Majesty advised newly appointed Supreme Court judges to serve as good examples and an inspiration for other groups of public officials and members of the public in doing their duty with a strong and clear will.It was HM the King's first public appearance and speech since the red shirts began their anti-government protests in Bangkok on March 14.The group of judges, led by Supreme Court President Sobchoke Sukharom, had an audience with His Majesty at about 5pm at Siriraj Hospital, where the monarch has been staying since being admitted last September 19 with a lung inflammation and high fever.It is customary for new judges of top courts to take an oath in front of His Majesty before starting their duties.His Majesty also said "some people" in this country appeared to have failed to do their duty."Do your job with honesty. In this country there may be some people who forget their duty. You should be an example by working honestly and properly, your job is very important," HM the King said in his speech, which lasted about 15 minutes."It will show there are officials in the country who perform their duties with a strong and clear will and are determined to maintain stability in the country. This will give people the determination to perform their own duties, as well."
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The king was "continuing a rehabilitation programme to gain more muscle sThailand’s ailing, revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Saturday called on his 63 million subjects to unite and called for everyone to work to their utmost ability so that the country could advance further and enjoy peace.
In his terse response to members of the royal family, senior government officials and members of parliament who gathered at Bangkok’s Grand Palace to wish him happiness on his 82nd birthday celebrations, His Majesty the King said his happiness could be achieved “if the country prospers, is stable and is at peace.”
The king said this could be realised if every sector in the country is determined to perform its duty with utmost wisdom, understanding and sincerity by upholding the people’s interests rather than themselves.
“I ask all of you present here and holding important positions in key institutions of our country, as well as all Thais (everywhere), to consider thoroughly your duty and determine to perform your duty to your best ability for the success of the country,” said the king.
Saturday marked the third time that the king, the world’s longest-reigning monarch, has made a public appearance since being admitted to Bangkok’s Siriraj Hospital on September 19 with a lung infection and fever.
The monarch was earlier seen in public twice -- once on October 23, Chulalongkorn Memorial Day, and once on the evening of Loy Krathong on November 2 – both within the hospital grounds after being admitted over two months ago.
Today, he granted a public audience at the Grand Palace's Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall.
After the brief ceremony at the Throne Hall, His Majesty the King returned to Siriraj Hospital.
Dressed in a white royal uniform and accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and members of the royal family later left the Grand Palace to return to the hospital in a motorcade as crowds of people lined the streets cheering “Long Live the King”.Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva presided over the mass candle-lighting ceremony to celebrate the life and works of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest reigning monarch, as well as to offer blessings to the King.
The premier said on behalf of cabinet members, civil servant and all Thais that the crowds were pleased to gather in the capital to express their well wishes and homage to His Majesty the King.
Meanwhile, people nationwide also joined the auspicious moment at 7.29 pm, when the kingdom was illuminated with a sea of candlelight and fireworks at home or at designated venues in all provinces.
In addition, cultural and art performances were held across the country, particularly in Bangkok’s old city area where a grand series of special activities took place to honour the King’s life and times as well as life-long contributions for the well-being of his subjects.
Celebration events will run through December 7 in three areas of the capital: Sanam Luang; the surrounding area of Dusit Palace; and Ratchadamnoen Avenue.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) also hosts many activities at the Royal Plaza in Dusit district nightly from 5-9 pm, in particular a spectacular highlight in which a ‘4D’ visual light and sound show in the compound of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall starting from 7 pm.trength," it said in the first statement from the Royal Household Bureau since Oct. 30.
He has made three short appearances in public since being admitted, twice in the grounds of Siriraj hospital and once at the Grand Palace for his birthday ceremony.