THAILAND - His Majesty the King's general condition is good and his appetite has improved, according to the latest report from the Royal Household Bureau yesterday.

In its 14th statement on the King's health, the bureau said the Siriraj Hospital medical team had stopped giving intravenous fluid to the 81-year-old monarch.

Large numbers of Thais continued to visit the hospital to sign the guest books provided by the bureau, expressing their affection and get-well wishes to the King.

Among yesterday's visitors were Keigo Sato, a nine-year-old Japanese-Thai boy from Phichit, and his Japanese father, Katsumi; Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silapa-archa; Bangkok councillor Suphamol Hutasing and 100 Sai Mai district residents; and students from Bangkok's Phraharuthai Convent School.

Others included Thanphuying Pensri Vajarodhaya, who chairs the Naatayasala Hoon Lakhon Lek (Joe Louis) Foundation, and 60 members of the Thai Bikers' Club.

Officials from His Majesty the King's Personal Affairs Division also brought a 16mm film-producing camera to record the event for the Royal Private Film Archive.

The Nation/Asia News Network