Thai king makes 1st appearance in more than month

The health of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest-reigning monarch, is a sensitive topic in financial markets because he is the sole unifying figure in a politically polarised country with a long history of coups and upheaval.

Looking frail in a light-blue short-sleaved shirt with a brown blanket over his lap, King Bhumibol was wheeled into a cordoned-off area of the hospital compound, at one point slowly raising his arm and maintaining his signature solemn expression.

He was surrounded by a medical team who helped steer his wheelchair in an appearance that lasted less than half an hour and appeared to overwhelm hundreds of supporters who bowed and pressed their hands together in a show of respect; Kazinform cites China Daily. See www.chinadaily.com.cn for full version.