Thai king's illness casts pall of uncertainty

THAIS LIT candles to celebrate their beloved king's birthday yesterday, after weeks of unrest in the southeast Asian country, but the ruler's illness cast a pall of uncertainty over the country at a time when citizens are seeking solace in the monarchy.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej had been scheduled to take part in a birthday ceremony at the Grand Palace's throne hall, but the event was cancelled due to an illness that also prevented him from delivering his annual birthday speech on Thursday.

There were the usual fireworks, prayers and presenting of alms to Buddhist monks for the king's 81st birthday, but his absence lent a muted air to the celebration, which is one of the highlights of the Thai calendar, particularly when Thais are looking for direction from their monarch.

The last few weeks have been a turbulent time in Thailand, including the seven-day seizure of Bangkok's two airports by anti-government protesters and the dissolution of the government. The capital's Suvarnabhumi International Airport officially reopened yesterday, and thousands of tourists were able to get home after being stranded for a week, although it was still operating at only about 50 per cent of capacity.

A new government is due to be appointed next week, but is likely to still include allies of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and the pro-monarchy alliance has vowed to return to the streets if it does.

Crown Princess Sirindhorn said the king was weak and suffering from bronchitis and inflammation of the oesophagus, but added that his "condition is not serious". Some have read his decision not to read out the speech as a sign that he does not want to appear to take sides in the political conflict, especially in the absence of a meaningful government in the country.

There are fears that the king's fading from the political scene could lead to continued turmoil in the country, which has already had three years of unrest since a military coup removed Mr Thaksin from office. In exile, he has been convicted of corruption charges in his absence.

Images of the widely revered king are found all over the city and the country, an iconic figure who unites Thais in the north - stronghold of Mr Thaksin and his supporters - and Bangkok and the south, which is home to much opposition support. The constitutional monarch last appeared in public on Tuesday at an inspection of royal troops, but seemed unwell as he read his remarks.

His 56-year-old son, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, who read out his father's prepared speech on Thursday evening, does not enjoy the same wide appeal.