Saturday, Thailand is celebrating King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 82nd birthday.
The king, who was hospitalized in mid-September, gave a public audience at the Grand Palace. He was shown on television, meeting royal family members including Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, officials and politicians.
Dressed in his ceremonial royal white robe, the monarch left the Siriraj hospital in the Thai capital Bangkok, for the first time after being admitted on September 19 for pneumonia, fever and loss of appetite, in a wheelchair. The king returned to the hospital an hour later, reportedly looking tired.
This is his third public appearance since hospitalization. The first two appearances were held inside hospital grounds.
As his motorcade proceeded to the palace from the hospital, crowds lined the road waving flags and chanting "Long Live the King". Many were dressed in pink as astrologers predicted two years ago that the color could keep the king in good health.
In his address, broadcast on television, the king said his happiness is derived from the prosperity, security and calm in the nation. He urged the Thai people to perform their duties for public benefit.
The Thai king is the longest reigning monarch in the world. His birthday is usually celebrated with much fanfare lasting several days. The king's annual birthday speech for this year, due on the birthday eve, and military parade were cancelled. This is the second year that his annual address to the nation has been cancelled on health reasons.
There is concern in Thailand about the monarch's health. Discussing the royal family is strictly forbidden under Thai laws.
Thailand has experienced serious political crisis in recent years. Though the king does not play any role in politics, he is widely revered and is seen as the country's sole unifying figure.
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