The children of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the Thai monarch revered as a figure of unity and stability in a country prone to political turbulence, gathered at his bedside today as the palace issued a new report on his deteriorating health.
Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn flew in from Germany, where he has a residence, and General Prayuth Chan-ocha, the Prime Minister and junta leader, cut short a trip outside the capital amid growing anxiety about the condition of the world's longest-reigning monarch.
The 88-year-old king is on a ventilator battling fresh infections after receiving blood-cleansing dialysis treatment over the weekend, according to the latest palace update. His health has "overall not yet stabilised," the statement said.
The Bangkok stock exchange plunged sharply, and many Thais donned pink clothing - regarded as a lucky colour by royal astrologers - while hundreds of well-wishers converged on the riverside hospital that has been his main home in recent years.
The military government urged Thais not to listen to "uncorroborated information" on social media but rather to await "official announcements for an update on the situations," without giving further details.