HM the King appears in public

Thailand's 81-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej appeared in public Friday for the first time since he was hospitalized over a month ago at a Bangkok hospital.His appearance came a day after the palace pronounced his health "stable," adding that it would stop daily updates unless his condition changes.

Wearing a light-blue short-sleeved shirt, Bhumibol was wheeled in an electric wheelchair into a closed-off area of the hospital compound to pay respect to the portrait of his late mother.He was surrounded by hundreds of well-wishers who shouted out "Long Live The King" and put their hands together in prayer....

"The committee of royal physicians reported that his majesty the king's overall condition is stable. He is physically stronger," a statement from the Bureau of Royal Household said Wednesday evening, adding that the medical team will continue to give him a full dose of antibiotics, and that the king has a good appetite and is sleeping well.