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Thais mark king's 80th birthday Thais mark king's 80th birthday
(about 2 hours later)
Celebrations are taking place in Thailand to mark the 80th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest serving monarch.Celebrations are taking place in Thailand to mark the 80th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest serving monarch.
Crowds are expected to gather at his palace in the capital, Bangkok, to show their respect for the king, who enjoys almost god-like reverence in Thailand.Crowds are expected to gather at his palace in the capital, Bangkok, to show their respect for the king, who enjoys almost god-like reverence in Thailand.
A recent spell in hospital has underlined fears over King Bhumibol's increasingly fragile health.A recent spell in hospital has underlined fears over King Bhumibol's increasingly fragile health.
On occasion he has used his authority to help settle political crises.On occasion he has used his authority to help settle political crises.
The monarchy is protected by strict laws which ban any criticism of members of the royal family.The monarchy is protected by strict laws which ban any criticism of members of the royal family.
Anxiety over ageing/b> Anxiety over ageing
The king's birthday is an occasion for celebration in Thailand, but also a time of acute anxiety.The king's birthday is an occasion for celebration in Thailand, but also a time of acute anxiety.
During his 61 years on the throne, public adulation for King Bhumibol has risen to such an intensity that few Thais can imagine how the country will cope without him.During his 61 years on the throne, public adulation for King Bhumibol has risen to such an intensity that few Thais can imagine how the country will cope without him.
Fears over the King's health have heightened succession concernsMany have taken to wearing yellow or pink over the past year, colours associated with the king.Fears over the King's health have heightened succession concernsMany have taken to wearing yellow or pink over the past year, colours associated with the king.
A stiff, unsmiling figure in public, he has steered a legally almost powerless monarchy through a succession of unstable military and civilian governments, and acquired an unrivalled aura of virtue and integrity.A stiff, unsmiling figure in public, he has steered a legally almost powerless monarchy through a succession of unstable military and civilian governments, and acquired an unrivalled aura of virtue and integrity.
On Tuesday, in the speech to the nation that he always gives to mark his birthday, King Bhumibol assured the people of Thailand that his health was fine, despite a recent spell in hospital.On Tuesday, in the speech to the nation that he always gives to mark his birthday, King Bhumibol assured the people of Thailand that his health was fine, despite a recent spell in hospital.
He also pleaded for unity between the military and civilians, a veiled reference to the bitter divisions in Thailand over last year's coup which ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.He also pleaded for unity between the military and civilians, a veiled reference to the bitter divisions in Thailand over last year's coup which ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
The country is due to return to democratic rule after a general election later this month, but the next government is likely to be a weak coalition.The country is due to return to democratic rule after a general election later this month, but the next government is likely to be a weak coalition.
Fears over King Bhumibol's health have been heightened by uncertainties over the succession.Fears over King Bhumibol's health have been heightened by uncertainties over the succession.
His son, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, has been groomed to succeed, but doubts are frequently expressed over his capabilities.His son, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, has been groomed to succeed, but doubts are frequently expressed over his capabilities.