King mildly ill

Bangkok Post breaking news team

His Majesty the King is "mildly" sick and cannot deliver his annual birthday-eve speech.

The monarch traditionally grants a royal audience on the eve of his Dec 5 birthday. This year, the nation was looking forward to hearing advice on the political crisis which has literally brought the nation to a halt at times.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn said on national radio that the speech will not be delivered.

Also on the broadcast, given in lieu of the traditional audience by the king, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn explained the problem.

"His Majesty the King is mildly sick," she said. His Majesty "has a blockage in his throat and has poor appetite." (BangkokPost.com, AFP)