Thailand marks king's 83rd birthday with pomp and ceremony

Dec 5, 2010, 5:38 GMT

Bangkok - Thousands of flag-waving Thais lined the streets of Bangkok Sunday to cheer King Bhumibol Adulyadej as he travelled by motorcade to deliver a speech marking his 83rd birthday.

The king, who has been hospitalized since September of last year, appeared frail but attentive as Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva read out birthday wishes on behalf of the nation in the throne hall of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

In his brief address to government and military leaders, the king urged his subjects to 'carry out their duty for the benefit of the country.'

He said those who act carelessly will cause damage to themselves and to the nation.

Sunday's birthday speech was his first since anti-government demonstrations rocked Bangkok in April and May. The protests and ensuing military crackdown resulted in 91 deaths and more than 1,800 injuries.

Previous birthday addresses by the king have prompted soul-searching by many Thais who listen for comments that could be applied to the country's bitter political divisions.

The king enjoys wide support across the political spectrum, and many fear for the kingdom's stability when he dies.

That support was on display Sunday as tens of thousands of his subjects shouted, 'Long live the king!' while waving yellow royal flags and the blue, red and white national flags along the royal motorcade's route from Siriraj Hospital, across the Chao Phya River and to the Grand Palace.

Colourfully uniformed Royal Guard troops marched past, followed by shouts of loyalty led by the armed forces supreme commander and other military leaders in formal regalia.

Bhumibol, who was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the United States, is the world's longest reigning monarch.

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