In a statement, the bureau said His Majesty was able to exercise his leg and foot muscles by himself and was able to take more food.

Doctors have advised the King since Sunday to exercise and change his reclining positions frequently, the statement said.

His Majesty was said to be spending time standing up and then walking with the help of a walking aid and without any post-surgery pain.

After walking, His Majesty's condition remained normal, the bureau statement said.

The 78-year-old monarch underwent surgery to relieve lumbar spinal stenosis at Siriraj Hospital on Thursday.

Well-wishers continued to flock to the hospital yesterday to sign get-well messages in books provided. These included 400 television personalities, prominent Army officers, ML Somchai Chakraphan, deputy director-general of the Mental Health Department, and the director-general of the Government Savings Bank, Goanpot Asvinvichit, who came with 50 of the bank's officials.

Many of the people gathered outside sang the song "Sadudee Maha Raja". Some brought binoculars hoping they would have a better view of the 16th floor of the hospital's Chalerm Phrakiart building where the King is resting.

HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who stayed overnight at the building, left yesterday morning and acknowledged the crowds outside.

Despite remaining in hospital, the King expressed concern about the flood situation in Phetchaburi and Prachuab Khiri Khan.

Veera Wongseangnak, the deputy director of Royal Irrigation Depart-ment, said the King had asked the department to keep a close watch on the situation and report to the Royal Household Bureau every day.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's ambassador to Thailand, Khateer Hasan Khan, said he and the people of Pakistan prayed for a speedy recovery for His Majesty. Khan recalled the King's 1962 visit to Pakistan where His Majesty's ideas for a sufficiency economy had impressed.