Royal Watch News

Thai king cracks rib during exercise

Jul 9, 2006, 13:55 GMT

Bangkok - Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej has cracked a rib while engaged in a walking exercise at his principle palace in Bangkok. Doctors said Sunday he was responding well to treatment. The accident, although not serious, is a reminder that the 79- year-old monarch has had bouts of ill-health in recent years. He is widely regarded in Thailand as a guarantor of stability and check on overambitious politicians and generals. Thailand has been a sea of yellow, the royal colour, these past few weeks as Thais from all walks of life have celebrated the king's 60 years on the throne. Thais can demonstrate their loyalty to the King by wearing yellow shirts. King Bhumibol has played a vital role this year in cooling down a political crisis caused by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's dramatic loss of legitimacy following his sale of the family business empire to a Singaporean holding company. The monarch stumbled walking in the palace injuring his back and shoulder. An X-ray revealed a small fracture on the fourth rib on his right side. His medical advisors have advised that the king suspend his official duties and rest. © 2006 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur

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Thai king cracks rib during exercise

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