Hospitalised Thai King makes rare public appearance

Thailand's aging monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, appeared in public for the first time in more than a month on Saturday ahead of a royal ceremony to mark his 82nd birthday.                                           

The world's longest-reigning monarch, regarded as semi-divine by many of Thailand's 67 million people, has been hospitalised since September 19. Crowds of well-wishers cheered as the king left Bangkok's Siriraj Hospital in a wheelchair, smiling briefly and waving his arm.                                           

King Bhumibol, the sole unifying figure in a country plagued by decades of political upheaval, has been receiving physical therapy after suffering from lung inflammation, fatigue and fever, according to the Royal Household Bureau.                                           

He has appeared in public twice since he was admitted, both times in a wheelchair in the grounds of the hospital. His disappearance from public view -- in his longest hospital stay in recent memory -- has left many of his people nervous.                                            

Celebrations for his birthday have been lavish so far, with royal boat processions, light and laser shows, spectacular firework displays and city streets adorned with portraits of the revered monarch.                                           

King Bhumibol's customary birthday speech has been cancelled this year because of his health. He is expected to appear on Saturday at a royal ceremony at Bangkok's Grand Palace, which royal family members, government officials and politicians will attend.                                            

The king was unable to deliver his birthday address last year because of ill health at a time when many Thais had been looking to him to issue a call for unity after anti-government protests shut down Bangkok''s two main airports for a week.