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Thailand's King Bhumibol hospitalized

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CrazyExpat

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BANGKOK — Thailand's 81-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest-serving monarch, has been hospitalized, the prime minister said Sunday.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva told reporters that doctors at Siriraj Hospital said the king's health gave no cause for concern, but he did not describe the ailment.

A hospital spokeswoman confirmed to The Associated Press that the king had been admitted, but gave no further details. She declined to give her name. The Royal Household Bureau, which is in charge of releasing news from the palace, had no immediate statement.

The king's health is an extremely sensitive topic in Thailand because of concerns that the succession may not go smoothly. The heir apparent, his son Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, does not yet have the stature or moral authority of his father.

In October 2007, the king suffered the symptoms of a minor stroke. Last year, he was unable to make his traditional annual birthday speech. His daughter, Princess Sirindhorn, said he was weak and suffering from bronchitis and inflammation of the esophagus.

The king is revered by most Thais, but in recent years the palace has come in for unprecedented, though usually discreet, criticism because of allegations that the king's advisers interfered in politics, including playing a part in inspiring a 2006 military coup that ousted a democratically elected government.

Open discussion of the matter is barred by strict lese majeste laws that make criticism of the monarchy punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

It had been rumored since late last week that the king had visited the hospital, but the Thai press only reported the matter Sunday.

The public television station TPBS reported that the king went to the hospital Saturday night for a checkup on the advice of his doctors.

Tables were set up at the hospital for people to write their wishes to the constitutional monarch.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iOgnQdKU722tj3NBZgrSPbA1t3bAD9AR1L580

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