THE health condition of His Majesty the King is still unstable, with falling blood pressure, rapid pulse and higher acidosis, the 38th statement from the Royal Household Bureau said as of press time last night.
Blood tests have indicated blood infection and abnormal liver function.
Doctors have prescribed antibiotics as well as medication for acidosis and blood pressure. The King is also using a ventilator and undergoing Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy. Medical teams are closely monitoring His Majesty’s condition, the statement said.
Hundreds of well-wishers dressed in yellow or pink flocked to Siriraj Hospital yesterday to pray and express hope for the King’s speedy recovery.
HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 88, has been receiving treatment at this hospital for several years. As the world’s longest- reigning monarch, who was enthroned in 1946, the King commands enormous love and respect from the people. Most members of the Royal Family, including HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, visited the beloved monarch yesterday. Many loyal subjects also gathered to pay their respects at the monument of the King’s father, Prince Mahidol of Songkhla, in the hospital compound and recited a Buddhist prayer for the King’s good health.
Some people promised to spend the night at the hospital to pray for the speedy recovery of their beloved King, while some who chose to go home said they would return to the hospital again today.
Phufah Arthornprachachit who travelled from Chiang Rai province, said she left home immediately after learning about it on social media. “I will stay here to send him best wishes and moral support,” she said tearfully.
Earlier, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha cut short his scheduled trip to Chon Buri and returned to Bangkok, with reports initially indicating that he would make a public statement.
Government Spokesman Lt-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd denied the premier would make an urgent statement later yesterday as was widely speculated on social media. Prayut returned to Bangkok to prepare a report for the Crown Prince, he said and added the PM would have to report the current situation to the Crown Prince if he were granted an audience. “People should not panic or believe rumours on social media,” Sansern said.