Thai public waits breathlessly as monarch prepares for surgery

BANGKOK, July 17 (TNA) – Thailand's monarch-adoring public collectively holding its breath, while the 78-year-old object of their adoration prepares for spinal surgery later this week.

Surgeons at Bangkok's Siriraj Hospital will perform delicate spinal surgery on His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej Thursday to treat his long-suffering degenerative spinal column, the Royal Household Bureau said in a statement Monday, which has the Thai public praying for his well-being.

The much-loved Thai monarch is experiencing a lumbar spinal stenosis, a degenerative narrowing
of his spinal canal, which is a naturally occurring condition normally associated with age, which places added pressure on the spinal cord.

The 78 year-old King, who is the world's longest reigning monarch, is still recovering from an injury after he stumbled and fell while exercising.

The problem was detected three years ago in His Majesty the King's spinal canal which has been deteriorating due to advanced age, and that has caused difficulties for him to walk with his right leg, the statement said.

A team of doctors concluded on May 3 that surgery was necessary but a decision was made to delay scheduling the operation until after the celebrations of the King's 60th anniversary on the throne in June which took place last month.

According to the Royal Household Bureau, the recovery period following the surgery is likely to be drawn out.

Thailand's beloved monarch suffered minor injuries of his back and shoulder while doing exercises at Chitralada Palace on June 24. Following X-rays a small fracture was found on his right fourth rib.

His Majesty's physicians recommended that the King refrain from his official duties and take full rest.

The King has suffered from spinal problems since 1995. A team of orthopedics and other medical experts delivered a diagnosis which indicated that His Majesty's spine near the waist had changed due to advanced age.

His Majesty has been receiving physical therapy since last year, according to the statement issued by the Royal Household Bureau.

TNA