His Majesty the King last night said public officials should be strongly determined to perform their duties to the best of their ability, to maintain peace in the country.
His Majesty advised newly appointed Supreme Court judges to serve as good examples and an inspiration for other groups of public officials and members of the public in doing their duty with a strong and clear will.
It was HM the King's first public appearance and speech since the red shirts began their anti-government protests in Bangkok on March 14.
The group of judges, led by Supreme Court President Sobchoke Sukharom, had an audience with His Majesty at about 5pm at Siriraj Hospital, where the monarch has been staying since being admitted last September 19 with a lung inflammation and high fever.
It is customary for new judges of top courts to take an oath in front of His Majesty before starting their duties.
His Majesty also said "some people" in this country appeared to have failed to do their duty.
"Do your job with honesty. In this country there may be some people who forget their duty. You should be an example by working honestly and properly, your job is very important," HM the King said in his speech, which lasted about 15 minutes.
"It will show there are officials in the country who perform their duties with a strong and clear will and are determined to maintain stability in the country. This will give people the determination to perform their own duties, as well."
His Majesty also stressed the importance of honesty in maintaining justice and peace in the Kingdom.
"Working honestly will boost the country's progress and help the country live in peace and contentment," His Majesty said. "You should help maintain justice. If you can follow your oaths strictly, it will help the country remain orderly."
His Majesty did not directly address the ongoing political deadlock between the government and red-shirt protesters who are demanding an early dissolution of Parliament.
Many Bangkok residents have become more critical of the authorities, particularly the police, over their inaction in dealing with red-shirt protesters openly violating the law. Protesters have blocked roads and railways and set up checkpoints to ensure no Army or police reinforcements from upcountry can reach Bangkok to participate in dispersing the crowd in the Rajprasong shopping area.
Shortly after HM the King's royal message was made, a joint force of soldiers and police managed to disperse a red-shirt mob blocking part of Phaholyothin Road in Pathum Thani province.
His Majesty gave a similar speech to another group of judges in February, shortly before the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders handed down its decision to seize Bt46 billion in frozen assets from accounts held by fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra and his family.