Thailand's ailing but much adored King Bhumibol Adulyadej cancelled plans to hold an annual audience to mark his 87th birthday today on the advice of his doctors, the palace said.
The king, who is the world's longest-serving monarch, has spent most of the last few months in hospital as fears over his health mount in a nation where he is seen as a unifying, father-figure throughout a turbulent six-decade rule.
"A team of royal physicians examined the king on Thursday evening... And agreed that he is not ready to grant a royal audience therefore they have recommended he cancels royal activities," the Royal Household Bureau said in a statement today.
Plans to hold a grand audience and live broadcast the ceremony were also scrapped, an official at the Royal Household Bureau told AFP.
In October the king underwent an operation to remove his gall bladder after tests revealed it was swollen.
He was last seen in public in early November.
The king's birthday -- also known as "Father's Day" in Thailand -- is a public holiday and Thais traditionally wear the royal yellow as a sign of devotion to the monarch, while roads are lined with royal flags.
Elaborate celebrations were expected at the royal palace in Bangkok, where the king traditionally makes an appearance and gives a brief statement to his subjects.
The king last failed to make an appearance in 2008 for his 81st birthday celebrations following ill health.
A large crowd of well-wishers, many dressed in yellow and waving flags, gathered in the grounds of Bangkok's Siriraj Hospital where Thailand's monarch is convalescing chanting "Long Live the King!", an AFP reporter on the scene said. Some had camped out overnight.
Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn had been expected to carry out some official ceremonies to mark his father's birthday.
Most Thais have only known King Bhumibol on the throne and anxiety over the future once his six-decade reign ends is seen as an aggravating factor in Thailand's bitter political divide.
