Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej made a rare public appearance today to mark the 64th anniversary of his coronation, as the political turmoil gripping his kingdom enters a critical phase.
The king's appearance comes as embattled prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra faces two key legal challenges which could see her removed from office over the coming days, while opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva refused at the weekend to commit to elections mooted for July to end the political crisis.
King Bhumibol, the world's longest-reigning monarch and a father figure for Thais, was crowned on May 5, 1950, although he came to the throne in June 1946 following the death of his elder brother.
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The 86-year-old monarch is seen as a moral authority in Thailand, which has been deeply divided along political lines since 2006 when billionaire former premier Thaksin Shinawatra -- Yingluck's older brother -- was ousted in a military coup.
King Bhumibol's public speeches are closely scrutinised especially in times of political crisis, but on this occasion he did not speak.
