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Published on October 22, 2007

His Majesty was admitted to the hospital nine days ago.

Thousands of people wearing royal yellow have flocked to the hospital each day to wish His Majesty a quick recovery. Motorists park near Sanam Luang before catching public transport to the hospital.

"I have chosen to take people for free as a good deed for His Majesty," driver Attawut Sangkhaphan said yesterday. He covers the cab rental and petrol costs himself. "Many other taxi drivers are doing the same thing," he added.

River-ferry company Supatra put on free weekend boat rides between Tha Prachan pier and Tha Wang Lang pier, near the hospital. "All ferries are full," a pier official said.

According to the latest announcement from the Royal Household Bureau, the Committee of Royal Physicians attending His Majesty reported that they are satisfied with his improving condition.

At the hospital, 99 children performed a nine-minute meditation in dedication to the king.

The Royal Household Bureau gave photographs of His Majesty to well-wishers.

A scout association distributed some 5,000 plastic buttons reading: "On the occasion of His Majesty's 80th birthday, all Thais are doing good deeds."

Chusri Sapapthai from Ayutthaya presented two carp fish modelled from palm leaves - a symbol of long life - to His Majesty via officials. He said his partially paralysed, 75-year-old mother made them.

Police spokesman Lt-General Pongsapat Pongcha-roen said more officers were deployed there following reports of bag snatchers and pickpockets. "We have arrested six people and we believe they are associated," he said.

Pongsapat said those caught taking advantage of the crowds would be charged and then dragged before well-wishers to "face public condemnation".

The Nation