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International royals

King of Thailand’s health in frail state

The world’s longest-reigning monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, is suffering from ever declining health and is in even more of a worse state, according to a notice sent out from the royal palace.

A vaguely worded health report sent out from Thailand’s royal palace said that 88-year-old King Bhumidol, whose health has been deteriorating for many years, has what to appears to described as a new bout of lung infection and occasional fever with rapid breathing.

Released late Sunday, the statement has raised concerns about the frail health of King Bhumidol, who has spent the better part of the last six years living in a hospital in Bangkok.

The Royal Household Bureau statement said that the king has been battling a fever over the last two weeks and that tests performed found “an infection in the lower part of the lungs” as well as an infection in his blood and inflammation in his right knee joint.

It was noted that the king was given oxygen, intravenous antibiotics and other medications. The statement went on to say that “currently, the king’s fever has eased but his breathing is occasionally faster than normal, while his pulse and blood pressure are normal.”

It was not made clear in the press release if the lung infection was gone.

King Bhumidol ascended the throne in 1946 but has faded from his public life in recent years due to his ill health.

The king is deeply respected in Thailand with no formal political role, yet he has been regarded as a stabilizing figure for Thailand through the political turmoil that has taken place in recent years. Many Thai citizens consider him a father figure, even his 5 December birthday is celebrated as Father’s Day in Thailand.

Worries about the king’s health and his succession have only contributed to the country’s political instability. Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, the heir apparent, does not command the same respect and affection as the king.

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