84-year-old Thai King Treated For Abdominal Pain

Published January 15, 2012 2:36PM (EST)

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand's 84-year-old king has been treated with intravenous antibiotics after experiencing abdominal pain.

The Royal Household Bureau says in a statement that King Bhumipol Adulyadej "experienced some indigestion" Saturday and was breathing faster than normal.

The statement says that doctors detected pain in his lower left abdomen and that an X-ray showed a digestive condition common in older people, known as diverticulitis. After injecting antibiotics, the king's breathing returned to normal Sunday and he was able to eat "easily digestible food."

Bhumipol entered Bangkok's Siriraj Hospital in September 2009 with a lung inflammation and has stayed there ever since. The palace has said he is getting physical therapy and nourishment to recover his strength.


By Salon Staff

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