Thailand's ailing king spoke on for the first time since his country's political chaos began, but failed to directly address the sometimes violent crisis that has paralysed Bangkok. Many in the country had seen the revered monarch as the best hope for peacefully resolving the standoff. Speaking from the hospital, where he has been for more than seven months, King Bhumibol Adulyadej told newly appointed judges that they should faithfully carry out their duties and help keep the country stable. "In the country, there might be people who neglect their duties, but you can set an example that there are those who perform their duties strictly and honestly" . His vague comments could be seen as a possible reference to accusations that the government has failed to keep order when faced with the militant protesters who have taken over part of central Bangkok. The King's lack of clear statement, however, signalled he was not prepared to take an active role in resolving the crisis, as he did in 1973 when he stopped bloodshed during a student uprising and again in 1992 during anti-military street protests. The U.S.-born Bhumibol, the world's longest reigning monarch, has been hospitalised since the 19th of September 2009, when he was admitted with fatigue and loss of appetite. The palace has said he is recovering from a lung inflammation, but not explained why he has been hospitalised for so long. Meanwhile, pro and anti government protesters have been rallying on the streets of Bangkok. At least 26 people have been killed and nearly 1,000 wounded since protesters, called Red Shirts, began occupying parts of the capital, closing down five-star hotels and shopping malls and devastating the country's vital tourism industry. They believe that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's government is illegitimate and that he should stand down and dissolve parliament.

• published: 27 Apr 2010
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