Her Majesty the Queen waves to well-wishers on Monday night as she leaves Siriraj Hospital’s Chalerm Phrakiart building, where His Majesty the King is recovering from minor back surgery.

After Her Majesty greeted them, she instructed lady-in-waiting Thanpuying Oranuch Isarangkul Na Ayuthaya to provide refreshments for them.

 "Her Majesty is concerned that they might feel hungry," Oranuch said, after boxes of crackers and cookies, cans of fruit juice and milk-tablet packets from the Doi Khum Royal Project were distributed to the crowd.

 Sudjai Suwanno, 70, from Phatthalung, said her heart was touched by the gesture.

 "I shall keep this empty can with me forever. It's an auspicious item," Sudjai said, referring to a can of juice. She also kept some milk tablets for her family.

Lamduan Surin, from Chiang Rai, said the juice can in her hand showed Their Majesties the King and the Queen always cared for the people. "I can feel [their concern] no matter where and no matter when," she said.

 According to the Royal Household Bureau, His Majesty has been recovering satisfactorily from spinal surgery. Medics are satisfied with how the muscles in his leg and feet are functioning.

 "His Majesty is now able to eat a regular diet, to sit, to stand up and to walk longer," it said.

 The news brought joy across the country. At the hospital in Bangkok, thousands of people signed get-well messages, sang a song in praise of His Majesty and prayed for his speedy recovery.

 Many, like 74-year-old Sa-Nguan Romkaew, were on repeat visits. Sa-Nguan said she had visited the hospital every day since His Majesty was.

Natcha Pornthiewsathien arrived with a gift for the King - a 17-centimetre-high image of His Majesty with his favourite dog.

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said his birthday wish was for His Majesty's good health. Thaksin, who turns 57 today, said he had no grand plans for celebrating his birthday. "It's just a day that makes me feel I'm getting older," he said.