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Published on October 26, 2007

Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, elder sister of His Majesty the King, was yesterday given additional medical treatment for cerebral embolism, the Royal Household Bureau said last night. The Princess has been hospitalised since mid-June for abdominal cancer.

Physical sensation on the right side of the Princess's body became faint yesterday morning and a computerised x-ray examination showed an extensive area of infarction on the left side of her brain as a result of occlusion of the cerebral artery, the bureau said in its statement.

The Princess was admitted to Siriraj Hospital on June 15 after developing abdominal discomfort. Doctors detected cancer cells and she has been under medical treatment since then with her condition fluctuating at times, the statement said.

The Princess was given additional medication yesterday for the cerebral embolism and her condition is under close watch, according to the statement.

Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom has sent her best wishes for a full and speedy recovery to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is also receiving medical treatment at Siriraj Hospital. The King has been at the hospital since October 13.

The Royal Household Bureau said yesterday His Majesty's overall condition was within normal boundaries and the pain on the right side under his rib cage was reducing. The Committee of Royal Physicians also requested that His Majesty increase active exercise.

As of yesterday, more than 540,000 people had visited the hospital to sign get-well messages for His Majesty. Aside from Thai well-wishers, many world leaders have also sent their best wishes to the world's longest-reigning monarch.

Last year, royalty from around the world came to Bangkok to attend the official celebration of his 60th year on the throne.

UK Ambassador to Thailand Quinton Quayle revealed yesterday that Queen Elizabeth had sent her best wishes.

"I was concerned to hear of your recent ill health. I would like to express my best wishes for a full and swift recovery. I sincerely hope that you will be able to resume your royal duties soon. I look forward to continuing the close ties between the Thai Royal Family and my own and between our two countries," Queen Elizabeth wrote in her letter to His Majesty.

"I have already brought Her Majesty's message to the Royal Household Bureau," Quayle said during a visit to Siriraj Hospital to sign the message book for His Majesty.

He added that upon learning of the King's illness, British citizens had expressed wishes for His Majesty's good health.

Indian Ambassador to Thailand Latha Reddy also visited Siriraj Hospital yesterday. Speaking on behalf of her country and all Indian people, she wished His Majesty a quick recovery.

She said people of India had loved His Majesty the way Thai people did.

"His Majesty is a great inspiration to people across the world," she said.

Indian President Pratibha Devisingh Patil, in a message to His Majesty, wrote: "I extend to you, on behalf of the people of India, and on my own behalf, best wishes for a speedy recovery. The Kingdom of Thailand is fortunate to have the benefit of your royal guidance. We join the people of Thailand in wishing you good health and long years of reign".

Maria Luisa Fernandez, Cuban ambassador to Thailand, brought a bouquet to Siriraj Hospital to wish His Majesty a quick recovery.

She said the great number of yellow-clad well-wishers at the hospital showed the overwhelming loyalty Thais had to the King.

Throngs of people wearing yellow, the colour associated with His Majesty's birthday, have been keeping vigil at the hospital ever since he was admitted, offering prayers and singing songs in praise of His Majesty.

HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn assigned his assistant principal private secretary to distribute sweets to well-wishers at the hospital.

Meanwhile, Deputy Metropolitan Police Commissioner Maj-General Panu Kerdlarpphol said traffic police and all relevant agencies were ready to provide assistance and security along the route from the hospital to the palace any time His Majesty was discharged from hospital.

"We expect a large number of people will show up along the route," he said.

 The Nation