Well-wishers hold portraits of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit as they wait for him to drive by in a motorcade as he leaves the Siriraj hospital in Bangkok on September yesterday.
Thailand’s revered but ageing King Bhumibol Adulyadej left a Bangkok hospital yesterday after a stay of almost six weeks for a check-up.
The Royal Household Bureau said the 86-year-old king, the world’s longest-serving monarch who is treated as a near-deity in politically turbulent Thailand, left the hospital for his coastal palace in the town of Hua Hin to the south.
Hundreds of Thais, many wearing the royal yellow colour, waved flags as the convoy carrying Bhumibol, who is officially King Rama IX, left the Siriraj hospital.
A separate van carried 82-year-old Queen Sirikit. The king arrived from Hua Hin in early August for “a thorough medical check-up which needs special equipment”, the Royal Household Bureau said at the time. He lived in the same hospital for almost four years after being admitted with respiratory problems in 2009 -- but there was no explanation from the palace over his prolonged stay.
Bhumibol, a keen saxophonist, photographer and sailor who is also a father figure to Thais, has made several appearances during his hospital stay.
