His Majesty the King left Siriraj Hospital yesterday amid chants of "Long Live the King!" from thousands of well-wishers gathered there.

His Majesty waved and greeted some of them as he moved around the hospital in a wheelchair.

The King underwent surgery to relieve lumbar spinal stenosis on July 20, and his speedy recovery convinced his medical team by Thursday night that he could leave to recuperate at Chitralada Royal Villa.

News of His Majesty's imminent homecoming was greeted with nationwide celebrations.

A large number of people flocked to the hospital at dawn hoping to catch a glimpse of their beloved monarch and express their best wishes.

"I haven't been able to sleep or eat well [since the news of His Majesty's hospitalisation]. I am now relieved that His Majesty can leave the hospital," said Phayom Wuthikang, as she sat amid the crowd.

Wannee Akul, 72, said she had left her home in Nakhon Pathom for the hospital as soon as she heard a news report that His Majesty was about to be discharged.

"I wish His Majesty a long, healthy life. May Lord Buddha protect His Majesty!" said Wannee, who has prayed for the King's health and happiness for the past 10 years.

By 11am yesterday the hospital was surrounded by a sea of yellow from clothing and flags bearing the message "Long Live the King". Songs praising the King could also be heard.

Most carried photos of Their Majesties the King and Queen.

Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and his Royal consort Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasmi, His Royal Highness Prince Teepangkorn Rasmichoti, Her Royal Highness Princess Bajra Kitiyabha, and HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana were at the hospital to accompany His Majesty on his trip back to the palace.

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, his wife Khunying Pojaman, several Cabinet members and Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin were among the other high-profile well-wishers.

Emotions ran high when His Majesty reached the ground floor of the hospital at around 2.20pm, with many people crying tears of joy.

His Majesty took the opportunity to take pictures of his well-wishers with the camera he was carrying.

"When I saw His Majesty, tears just flowed, tears of delight," 49-year-old Walaitip Thanawachirasin said.

Tassanee Rawang-ngarn, 45, said she had decided to stay overnight at the hospital to ensure that she could see His Majesty off.

"I feel I have lived my life to the fullest from the split second I saw His Majesty," she said.

Before he left the hospital, His Majesty paid respect to the statues of his late parents His Royal Highness Prince Mahidol Adulyadej of Songkhla and Her Royal Highness Princess Sri Nagarindra, the Princess Mother.

To ensure a smooth ride for His Majesty, all the speed bumps were removed from roads in the hospital compound.

His Majesty could be seen waving to people as he left the hospital in a Maybach limousine, with thousands of yellow-clad well-wishers lining the way chanting: "Long Live the King!"

The Royal Household Bureau said that more than 549,000 people had signed get-well books as of press time yesterday.

Thousands of people have visited the hospital every day since His Majesty was admitted.

Doctors have asked His Majesty to continue his physical-therapy exercises and to refrain from official duties for the time being.