Thai King makes rare show

epa04191859 Thai well-wishers hold photographs of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit during the 64th anniversary of Coronation Day outside the Klai Kangwon Palace in Hua Hin, south-west of Bangkok, Thailand, 05 May 2014. Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej marked the 64th anniversary of his coronation in an ornate Buddhist ceremony held in the resort city of Hua Hin. The world's-longest reigning monarch has been living in Hua Hin, since 01 August, after spending nearly four years in a Bangkok hospital receiving treatment for various illnesses. EPA/STR

HUA HIN: Thailand’s revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej made a rare public appearance to mark the 64th anniversary of his coronation, as the political turmoil gripping his kingdom enters a critical phase.

The king’s appearance yesterday comes as embattled prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra faces two key legal challenges which could see her removed from office over the coming days, while opposition leader Abhisit Abhisit refused at the weekend to commit to elections mooted for July to end the political crisis.