BANGKOK (AFP) - Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej appeared in public Friday for the first time since being hospitalised one month ago, easing fears over the health of the 81-year-old.
The world's longest-reigning monarch, revered as a demi-god by many Thai people, was pictured on television being pushed in a wheelchair by a team of royal physicians at Siriraj hospital in Bangkok.
Speculation that his health had deteriorated sent the nation's stock market tumbling last week.
Television pictures showed the Thai king, who was admitted to hospital almost a month ago with a lung infection and fever, wearing a blue short-sleeved shirt and black trousers.
Channel 9 reported that the king paid homage to his grandfather, whose death is marked Friday by a public holiday.
The revered royal also paid homage to his late parents and visited a photographic exhibition at the hospital in honour of his late mother.
The television report said the king then visited a bookstore before returning to the wing where he has been receiving treatment.
On Thursday the royal household released a statement saying it would no longer issue daily updates on the king's health.
"The general condition of the king is stable, he has gained strength and can eat and sleep as normal, but the team of royal physicians continues to administer antibiotics," the statement said.
"(The royal bureau) will make an announcement if there is any change in his condition," it said.
The king is seen to play a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the politically divided nation.
