Thailand’s King Bhumibol makes rare public appearance to celebrate 65th anniversary of his coronation
Bhumibol’s near-disappearance from public life has coincided with a decade of political instability in Thailand.
Thailand’s revered but ailing King Bhumibol Adulyadej made a rare public appearance on Tuesday, leaving the hospital where he has been convalescing for much of the past few months.
A heavily guarded convoy carrying the wheelchair-bound 87-year-old monarch left Bangkok’s Siriraj Hospital for the Grand Palace, the sprawling complex in the heart of the old quarter that is the seat of the Chakri dynasty.
The palace visit was made on Coronation Day, a Thai public holiday that marks Bhumibol’s official coronation in 1950, three years after his reign began following the death of his brother.
The appearance of the world’s longest serving monarch after a recent no show will be a source of relief for many Thais who revere him as a semi-divine figure.
He had been expected to appear publicly for his birthday in December, a time when the monarch traditionally addresses his people. But the audience was cancelled at the last minute on the advice of his doctors.
Most Thais have only known King Bhumibol on the throne, and anxiety over the future once his six-decade reign ends is seen as an aggravating factor in Thailand’s bitter political divide.