Today is the king of Thailand’s 81st birthday and is being celebrated all over the country with merit-making activities and people doing good deeds (such as donating blood) to honour the king. The king’s birthday is a public holiday in Thailand and also marks Father’s Day with the king being viewed as the father of the nation and the man who Thais look to in times of crisis.
With the recent political turmoil affecting Thailand, people were eagerly awaiting the king’s traditional speech which he gives annually on the eve of his birthday. However, this year HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej has been unable to address the nation because of poor health. The condition isn’t being described as serious, but with the Thai monarch suffering from a blockage in the throat and loss of appetite, this year’s birthday speech has been cancelled. It is the first time in the king’s 62-year reign that he has been unable to give the address.
Although the palace are pointing out the king’s illness isn’t serious, it will still cause concern for the Thai population. The king has endured poor health in the last twelve months and at the beginning of this year the king’s sister, Princess Galyani, passed away. King Bhumibol attended his sister’s cremation but his public appearances are less frequent as he advances in years and the political turmoil that has split the country will have undoubtedly given him cause for concern. Today is a day when Thais from all sides of the political divide will be united in wishing the king happy birthday and a speedy recovery from his illness.
