King's birthday speech postponed

The traditional birthday-eve address by His Majesty the King, scheduled for Dec 4, has been postponed indefinitely, but he will make a public appearance at the palace on his birthday, the Royal Palace announced on Monday.

His Majesty, who turns 82 on Dec 5, has been in Siriraj Hospital since Sept 19 with symptoms of pneumonia. Concerns about his health caused the Thai stock market to plunge in October.

His Majesty's birthday address is normally given to an audience of dignitaries, including cabinet ministers and foreign diplomats, and broadcast on national television.

The office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary also announced today the postponement of the annual parade of soldiers, scheduled for Dec 2, to celebrate His Majesty's birthday.

It did not specify why or announce any alternative dates.

The statement said that His Majesty will preside over a morning ceremony at the Grand Palace on his birthday. The ceremony would be attended by members of the royal family, government officials and members of parliament.

His Majesty has appointed Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn to meet with diplomats on Dec 8 as part of the birthday celebrations, it said.

Since being admitted to Siriraj Hospital His Majesty appeared in public twice. His second appearance was on Nov 2, when he joined in the Loy Krathong festival at Siriraj Hospital with members of the royal family including Her Majesty the Queen.

The King, who appeared in a wheel chair, launched a krathong on the Chao Phraya river.

His Majesty also missed his speech last year through illness.

The King's birthday is marked by a public holiday and celebrated by Thais across the kingdom with fireworks and Buddhist rituals.