The bureau announced that the microsurgical decompression, which began at 4:05 pm, had been completed at 8:53 pm and the doctors asked His Majesty to recover for a while in his room to monitor his condition.

The bureau said the doctors became certain that the operation was successful after detecting no complications.

Earlier the day, His Majesty was welcomed by hundreds of yellow-clad, flag-waving people when His Majesty arrived at the Siriraj Hospital.

The crowds chorused "Long Live the King" as soon as HM the King arrived.

His Majesty received the oepration on the hospital's 16th floor. Accompanied by many royal siblings, His Majesty waved to throngs of well-wishers when he arrived around 2.13 pm.

The people eagerly waved the yellow flags and also sang a song in praise of Their Majesties, the King and the Queen. Even after Their Majesties had gone upstairs, "Long Live the King" continued to ring across the ground.

The well-wishers keenly looked up to the 16th floor of the hospital, cheering loudly every time a curtain up there was raised to reveal HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana waving at them.

Also present at the hospital were HM the Queen Sirikit, HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and his royal consort HRH Princess Srirasmi, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, HRH Princess Chulabhorn Valayalaksana and HRH Princess Somsavali.

Yupin Theekayu, a 62-year-old resident from Samut Prakan, said she had run out of her house at 8 am when a television station reported that His Majesty would arrive at Siriraj Hospital around 3 pm.

Despite having been three hours on the road, she showed no sign of tiredness and vowed to leave the place only after nightfall.

"I will come to the hospital every day throughout the period His Majesty is here," Yupin said.

She said she wished to offer moral support to him. At home, Yupin prays every day for His Majesty's good health.

Another well-wisher, Suthinee Intaratat, said she had heard of His Majesty's need for the treatment, she planned to welcome him on his arrival at the hospital.

"I am concerned about his health and I pray that he has a long, long life," she said.

Suthinee said she would come to the hospital again Friday to sign a get-well message. In the crowd was Bang-ern Wattanapruksachart, a 67-year-old heart patient in a wheelchair.

"Though I can't get close to His Majesty, I really wished to be here in the throng. I am overwhelmed to see the way the people show their respect and love for His Majesty," she said.

Several well-wishers were seen shedding tears of joy.

High-profile figures who showed up included Public Health Minister Pinij Charusombat, Deputy Public Health Minister Anutin Charnveerakul, Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin, Bangkok City Clerk Nathanon Thavisin and Dr Sem Pringpruangkaew.

In a related development, the Foreign Affairs Ministry's spokesman, Kitti Wasinondh, said Pakistani President Pervez Musharaf and Bahrain's Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa had sent well-wishing messages to His Majesty.

Thai embassies in Japan, Sri Lanka, Hungary and Australia have opened books for get-well messages.

Chatrarat Kaewmorakot

The Nation