Prakitpao, 37, was admitted to Srithanya Hospital on February 19 by his family. It said he began to act in a strange manner and was avoiding them after attending meditation sessions with a group that included a young woman des-cribed as "a close female friend".

He was transferred on a court order to the Galaya Rajanagarindra Institute on March 2, where he underwent comprehensive checks.

Department deputy chief Apichai Mongkol said: "He is much better now. There are only non-serious conditions that need to be treated. The patient can be discharged if the family agrees."

Apichai said Prakitpao was only expected to be admitted for one month but the term was extended because of delays in treatment owing to the court-ordered transfer.

Recent tests revealed Prakitpao only had elevated levels of pseudo-ephedrine - not the more dangerous ephedrine. Pseudo-ephedrine is a common ingredient in cold remedies and rarely produces adverse psychological affects. It was not the cause of his illness, experts said.

Asked if Prakitpao was aware of widespread news-media interest in his case, Apichai said the patient had been shielded from information due to concern for his condition. He would be told when he was better.