Thai king drops birthday appearance
Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej has cancelled a public appearance to mark his 87th birthday, on medical advice, the BBC reported.
The news comes amid growing concern about the health of the king, who is highly revered and respected by Thais.
Thousands of people had turned out in the capital, Bangkok, in the hope of seeing him at the Royal Palace.
Events are also being held across the country, which is still under martial law after the army overthrew the government in May.
In a statement released on Friday, the king's office said doctors had examined the king and "agreed that he is not ready to grant a royal audience, therefore they have recommended he cancels royal activities."
King Bhumibol was last seen in public in November. He has spent the past few months in hospital and recently underwent an operation to remove his gall bladder.