BANGKOK — The King of Thailand is gradually recovering from a recent operation to remove his gallbladder, though he is still affected by an occasional fever, the palace said in a statement last night.
The 86-year-old monarch underwent surgery on 5 October to remove his gallbladder, which doctors said was severely inflamed.
According to the Royal Household Bureau, King Bhumibol is "conscious" after the surgery.
"His breathing is normal. There is still occasional fever. His heartbeat rate has lowered, approaching a normal level. Regular examination of his heart did not indicate any abnormalities," the statement said. "His Majesty still feels pain around the wound where the surgery to remove his gallbladder took place. The medical team is closely assisting His Majesty."
Examination of the removed gallbladder confirmed that the organ was infected, the palace said.
King Bhumibol was driven to the Bangkok hospital from his summer palace in Prachuap Kiri Khan province on 3 October with a high fever and rapid heartbeat.
His Majesty the King's frail health is a cause of anxiety for many Thais. The monarch has been on the throne for more than 60 years and is widely credited with bringing stability to the kingdom. Thailand's stock dropped 1.4 percent when it opened on Monday, presumably in response to the news of King Bhumibol's hospitalisation.
Temples, state agencies, and groups of loyal Thais across the country have been organising prayer sessions to wish for the king's return to good health. Yesterday, a temple abbot in Chiang Mai province stared at the sun for 30 minutes to ask for the Sun God Suriyathep's help in speeding His Majesty's recovery.
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