Thai King, 87, Leaves Hospital in Rare Outing

Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej made a rare public appearance today—a national holiday—to mark the 65th anniversary of his coronation. All television stations carried the event live, as the 87-year-old monarch emerged in a wheelchair from a Bangkok hospital where he has taken up residence and was driven through the capital's historic district to the Grand Palace. Buddhist monks led prayers as the king watched, before an audience of government and royal officials. Thais lined the roads along the route, chanting "Long live the king!" The palace had not announced if Bhumibol would appear for the ceremony, but crowds had gathered in anticipation of seeing the monarch.

Bhumibol has been hospitalized since October, when he had his gallbladder removed. It was the latest ailment and hospitalization for the king, who has faded from public life over the past several years and on rare outings looks visibly frail and doesn't speak. Thais hold great affection for Bhumibol, the world's longest-reigning monarch. He was crowned on May 5, 1950, after coming to the throne in 1946 following the death of his elder brother. Although he is a constitutional monarch with no formal political role, Bhumibol is widely revered and regarded as the country's sole unifying figure. His near-disappearance from public life has coincided with a decade of political instability in Thailand. Worries about his health and succession have contributed to the instability. (More Thailand stories.)