BANGKOK - A traditional birthday eve address by Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej scheduled for Friday, Dec. 4, has been postponed indefinitely, the royal palace said on Monday.

King Bhumibol, the world's longest-reigning monarch, turns 82 on Dec. 5. He has been ill in hospital since Sept. 19, causing concern in financial markets since he is seen as the sole unifying figure in a politically polarised country.

A trooping of the colour military parade in Bangkok, due to begin on Dec. 2 to celebrate the king's birthday, has also been postponed indefinitely, the office of the king's principal private secretary said in a statement.

The king's birthday address is normally given to an audience of dignitaries, including cabinet ministers and foreign diplomats, and broadcast to the country.

The palace statement said Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn would meet with diplomats on Dec. 8 as part of the birthday celebrations.