Thai king fails to deliver speech amid political crisis

Bangkok: Thailand's ailing king on Thursday failed to deliver his traditional birthday speech, which many Thais had hoped would help resolve the country's political paralysis and unify a divided nation.

Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn went on national radio to inform Thais that King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who turns 81 on Friday, was unable to deliver the speech "because he was a little sick."

"The king has said to thank (you) for the wishes given out of loyalty. He wants to return the good wishes. He wants everyone to have strong mental and physical health to
perform their duties for the public," said Vajiralongkorn, the king's son.

Many Thais were eagerly awaiting the king's speech, hoping to receive guidance on how Thailand, which is just recovering from a weeklong seizure of its two main airports
by anti-government activists, can resolve its political crisis.

The protest group, the People's Alliance for Democracy, ended its siege Wednesday after a court ruling ousted Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and disbanded the top three parties in the ruling coalition for committing electoral fraud.