King Bhumibol Adulyadej makes a public address

Apr 27, 2010, 12:12 GMT

Thailand's king Bhumibol Adulyadej made a public address yesterday (26.04.10) but avoided directly commenting on the country's political struggles.

The monarch spoke in favour of newly-appointed judges, saying the country is relying on them to help keep it stable.

Bhumibol, 82, said: "In the country, there might be people who neglect their duties, but you can set an example that there are those who perform their duties strictly and honestly.

"Working honestly will boost the country's progress and serve as an example for citizens, for civil servants and other people. It will help the country to live in peace and contentment."

Although his comments are ambiguous, some believe he was making veiled reference to authorities failing to keep order as anti-government 'Red Shirt' protesters have taken over parts of the capital, Bangkok.

It also signifies the king - the world's longest reigning monarch - is not prepared to intervene and help resolve the crisis, even though the Red Shirts have requested an audience with him, to seek an end to ongoing unrest in the country, which has seen the state in political stalemate for seven weeks.

The Red Shirts are currently campaigning to topple the present government, and the unrest has seen at least 26 people killed and nearly 1,000 wounded.

King Bhumibol may not be able to deal with the political affairs as he is presently in ill health and has been hospitalised since September 2009 with fatigue and loss of appetite.

He has done much for political resolution in the past, stopping student protests in 1973 and anti-military street protests in 1992.