HM the King assigned the Crown Prince to speak on his behalf for his annual birthday address last year and the public was notified at the last minute, but this year we have a earlier announcement as the Bangkok Post reports:
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 Nation:
Some of the postponements are rare while others are unprecedented, but Thais will take heart in his presence at the Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall on his birthday.
The King has assigned HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn a prominent role to represent him at many other royal functions that he cannot attend.
AP:
The royal statement provided no update on the medical condition of Bhumibol, the world's longest-reigning monarch, whose health has been a matter of nationwide concern since he was admitted to a Bangkok hospital Sept. 19. At the time, his symptoms were described as fever, fatigue and lack of appetite.
...
The king last appeared in public on Nov. 2, when he was taken out of his hospital in a wheelchair to celebrate a national holiday. He appeared alert but weak.
The palace last released a statement on his health Oct. 30, saying his "general condition is getting much better." It said he was recovering from a lung infection.
Bhumibol is a constitutional king with no formal political role. But he is regarded as the sole unifying figure in a politically polarized country. His disappearance from the public eye and a lack of details about his health have caused concern in financial markets and widespread uneasiness about the country's future.
Reuters:
Speculation had grown in recent days the king could be released from hospital this week to coincide with birthday celebrations.
BP: Unsurprisingly, this news led to the TV news last night - well at least on ThaiPBS.
It is difficult to say much more than the passages highlighted above, but one can read through the lines for some things.
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