The King failed to make a public address in honor of his 81st birthday

Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej failed to make a public address in honor of his 81st birthday on 4 December 2008. Royal representatives stated that the king was unable to make the address because of ill health. Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn made a radio address informing the public of his father's ill health. The prince also took his father's place at a meeting of senior government officials held in Bangkok. Local media reports had eagerly been awaiting the royal address following the recent crisis in Bangkok, caused by massive anti-government protests at the city’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport (VTBS/BKK) and Don Muang International Airport (VTBD/DMK). Meanwhile, normal departures and arrivals reportedly resumed at the two airports on 4 December, although travellers experienced some delays as thousands of stranded foreign tourists have rushed to book flights out of the country.