King Bhumibol Adulyadej Health Update

[croftrobin]

Thai monarch recovering from blood clot

BANGKOK: -- Hospitalised Saturday for treatment of cerebral ischemia, Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej underwent about eight hours of surgery and related treatment for a blood clot which obstructed the flow of blood to his brain.

King Bhumibol, approaching his 80th birthday on December 5th, was taken to Siriraj Hospital about 9am Saturday, according to a statement from the Royal Household Bureau.

Cerebral ischemia means that the brain or parts of the brain do not receive sufficient blood to maintain normal thinking and bodily functions and can result from various diseases and obstruction of arteries such as by the blood clot removed from the monarch's leg.

Some eight hours of treatment alleviated the weakness in the right leg, according to the statement.

Born in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, in 1937, the monarch has occupied the Thai throne for more than 60 years, and is the world's longest reigning king.

His Majesty is greatly revered in Thailand and his health is a subject of great national concern.

Earlier surgery in the past little more than one year for lumbar spinal stenosis and a rib fracture leaves the Thai public worried for his well-being.

The team of royal physicians means that the monarch is receiving the best state-of-the-art medical attention that Thailand can offer, together with hopes and prayers of a loving and grateful citizenry.

--TNA 2007-10-13