Thailand celebrated King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 83rd birthday on Sunday.
Addressing the nation from the Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall in Bangkok the king advised all Thais to perform their duties well. He also warned against being “careless and imprudent” to prevent the downfall of “oneself and the country.”
The king is regarded with the highest esteem in Thailand. In virtually every Thai business establishment or home, a picture of the king and queen can be found, or at least a picture of a former royal.
The king was admitted to hospital in September 2009 with a respiratory condition, and has remained there since except for brief appearances such as this one.
The king’s birthday is a national holiday in Thailand and is widely celebrated. Crowned in 1946, he is the world's longest reigning head of state. England's Queen Elizabeth II, crowned in 1953, is second.
Correction: King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand, is actually the world's longest serving head of state.
