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Thai king's condition "good," palace says

BANGKOK
Tue Oct 20, 2009 9:07am EDT
Well-wishers pray for the fast recovery of King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok October 19, 2009. REUTERS/Chaiwat Subprasom

BANGKOK (Reuters) - The health of Thailand's 81-year-old monarch was "good," the palace said on Tuesday, nearly a week after Thai markets tumbled over concerns about his condition and lengthy hospitalization.

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It was the third straight day the palace has described his condition as "good." His lungs were less inflamed after an abnormality was found at the weekend, it added.

"His majesty's overall condition is good. He has a good appetite," said a statement from the Bureau of the Royal Household. "Physical examination and x-ray of the chest revealed further subsided inflammation of lungs."

Concerns about the health of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest-reigning monarch, led to a sharp fall in Thai stock prices and the local baht currency on October 14 and 15, before markets rebounded a day later.

He has been treated at a Bangkok hospital since September 19, when he was admitted suffering from fever, fatigue and loss of appetite.

Daily updates from the palace about his health have been brief, showing his condition fluctuating.

The U.S.-born king is a figure of unity in a country with a long history of military coups and political upheaval. He is regarded as semi-divine by many of his people and his health is an extremely sensitive topic in financial markets.

(Reporting by Martin Petty; Editing by Jason Szep and Jerry Norton)
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