Thai King's health unstable; on ventilator for infection

BANGKOK: The health of Thailand's 88-year-old revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej is "still unstable" as he is on a ventilator battling a new infection, the palace said today.

"On October 11, 2016 his blood pressure dropped even lower, his pulse sped up, in addition to his blood having an increase of acid. Results of his blood test indicate that there has been an infection and abnormal function of his liver," the palace said in a statement.

Children of Adulyadej, the world's longest-reigning monarch, including Crown Prince Vajralongkorn, today rushed to the Siriraj hospital where the King has been receiving treatment for severe infection.

The board of doctors administered antibiotics and fixed the revered King's acidic blood until they were able to control the blood pressure more, in addition to using a ventilator and continuous renal replacement therapy.

The King's overall condition is still unstable and must be controlled by medicine. The board of doctors will continue to closely monitor his condition, the statement added.

Sitting on the throne since 1946, Adulyadej has commanded much love and respect from his people. He is also the world's longest reigning monarch.

On Sunday, the Royal Household Bureau released a statement on the King that said his condition was not stable.

This spurred a huge number of Thais, concerned about his well being to begin praying for their beloved King who will turn 89 on December 5.