THAILAND'S MOMENT OF TRUTH - ZENJOURNALIST

was improving, but he would need physical therapy for his right side. Arsa noted also that the
King, whose enjoyment of jazz is legendary, would not be able to join in a jam session with the
Preservation Hall Jazz Band, which will visit Thailand in the middle of November and perform at
events in honor of the King's 80th birthday. [07BANGKOK5437]
By early November, the king’s condition had improved, and he was able to leave hospital:
At mid-day on November 7, King Bhumibol left the Bangkok hospital where he had received
medical care since suffering a minor stroke on October 13 and returned to Chitralada Palace.
Thai television news footage showed the King, moving steadily under his own power (but relying
on a wheeled walker) as he walked from the hospital to his vehicle. The King's expression was
his usual poker face, but he appeared alert and acknowledged the crowd as his vehicle departed.
[07BANGKOK5718]
Tej Bunnag, deputy principal private secretary of the king, told Boyce later in November that the kind
was recovering well; there were suggestions he was well enough to want to join in a jazz jam session, one
of his biggest passions throughout his life.
Responding to the Ambassador\'s questions, Tej said the King was able to speak and to stand on
his own. (Note: November 7 television footage showed the King walking out of the hospital at
a quick pace with the assistance of a walker; the King was not seen speaking in public, however.
End note.) Tej said the King was resuming his regular duties, and approximately 80 files were
awaiting the King's signature. If the King's health were to worsen, Tej said, the King would
immediately return to the hospital.
Tej said the King had made it clear on more than one occasion that he wanted to leave the
hospital, but his doctors held him back. Given the King's desires, Palace staff members were
unable to clear the King's schedule; they had to cancel all events at the last possible moment.
The Ambassador noted the upcoming visit under Embassy auspices of the Preservation Hall Jazz
Band. Some members of the King's musical entourage had indicated to Embassy officials that
the King would like the band to come to the Palace for a private performance, with his possibly
joining in a jam session. The Ambassador asked if these reports seemed credible. Tej replied
this scenario sounded quite possible, although, like other events, a performance for or with the
King could be canceled at the last moment. The Palace was continuing to plan for the King's
participation in the full range of ceremonies and celebrations during the several days around his
80th birthday (December 5). [07BANGKOK5738]
In late 2008, with Thailand facing political crisis as Yellow Shirt mobs occupied Bangkok’s airports,
Bhumibol once again fell ill:
On December 4, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn and his sister, Princess Sirindhorn, appeared
jointly before assembled dignitaries to announce that King Bhumibol was ill and unable to deliver
his customary annual address to the nation. After the Crown Prince made brief remarks on the
King's behalf, Princess Sirindhorn explained that her father had bronchitis, was exhausted, on an