HM the King recovering

The princess said her father had already been able to stand up by himself.

"He has been getting much better. I believe he will return to his palace soon," the princess said.

The beloved monarch, now in his early 80s, has been receiving treatment at the Siriraj Hospital since September 19. Since then he appeared in the public for the first time on October 23 when he paid respect to statues of HRH Princess Mother and King Rama V.

Over the past month, hundreds of people have been flocking to the Siriraj Hospital to pray for his speedy recovery.

Supreme Court President Somchok Sukharom and Chaipattana Foundation secretary general Sumet Tantivejkul were among high-profile figures signing the get-well messages for His Majesty at the hospital yesterday.

"I wish him a quick recovery," Sumet said.

According to him, the illness has not prevented His Majesty from working for the country and his people. For example, His Majesty has still followed up on the progress of his royallyinitiated projects.

"HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has just informed him that his initiative to have a dam built inside a cave in Mae Hong Son's Pang Ma Pha district is successful. Thanks to the initiatives, locals have water for use throughout the year," Sumet said.