Thousands of supporters flocked to a hospital in Bangkok Friday to wish King Bhumibol Adulydej a happy 87th birthday.<br/> <br />Plans for a public appearance were cancelled on the advice of his doctors who said the King was not ready for public appearances. He underwent surgery to remove his gallbladder in October.<br/> <br />Many hold the King in god-like reverence and said their spirits wouldn't be dampened whether he appeared in public or not.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Thai) 37-YEAR OLD THEPWITOON CHIM-NGOG, SAYING:<br/> <br />"It doesn't matter whether he is appearing in front of a public audience or not. I'm just happy that I am here to show my loyalty to him. I'm happy no matter where he is."<br/> <br />The cancelled appearance has fuelled mounting concerns over the King's health and comes during a sensitive time for the country which only six months ago was overthrown in a military coup.<br/> <br />King Bhumibol's last public appearance was in November.
