The Royal Household Bureau reported in its 15th statement yesterday that His Majesty was continuing to recover well from his spinal surgery; that his wound had healed to his doctors' satisfaction; and that his muscles were growing stronger with the help of physiotherapy.

The Royal Household Bureau asked Bangkok Noi district to set up tents around the hospital to provide some shelter from the rain for the well-wishers.

Among them were 600 residents from Prachuap Khiri Khan's Hua Hin municipality led by Mayor Siraphan Kamolpramote who said a further 600 Hua Hin residents would come to sign messages today.

The mayor said Hua Hin people were happy the King's condition had improved and would like His Majesty to continue his

recuperation at Klaikangwon Palace.

On the day of His Majesty's arrival in Hua Hin, local residents would line up along a 4.5-kilometre stretch from the municipality to the palace and light candles to express their warm welcome, he said.

Auditor-General Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka also visited the hospital as a loyal subject yesterday to offer His Majesty her best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Other well-wishers included about 30 Thai folk singers led by songster Panom Nopporn; representatives of the Kurusampan Association, which produces teaching materials for Islamic Studies in schools nationwide; and 110 students from Ratchaburi's Wat Santikaram School.

City police chief Wiroj Chantharangsi visited the area to ensure there was good public order.

Meanwhile, at Sala Sahathai Samakhom in the Grand Palace compound, a large crowd offered their wishes for Her Majesty the Queen's speedy recovery following eye surgery on Sunday.

Among them were Defence Permanent Secretary-General Sirichai Thanyasiri, president of the Thai Supreme Court Chanchai Likhitjitta, Permanent Secretary for Agriculture Banphot Hongthong, secretary-general of the Thai Red Cross Phan Wannamethee, and ambassadors from various countries.