Thai king marks record 70 years on the throne

Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest-reigning monarch, on Thursday marked his 70th year on the throne - from his hospital bed, immobile and wracked by a variety of age-related ailments that have made Thais wonder what their world would be like without him.

There was a time when Bhumibol would lead his aides on treks through swamps and over mountains to learn what was on the minds of his subjects in the most far-flung areas of his realm. But the 88-year-old guest of honor is unlikely to make a public appearance this week.

For most of the past decade the king has lived in a hospital - in a new wing built for him - for treatment of various problems, according to regular palace statements on his health. The ailments have sapped his strength and taken him gradually out of the public eye. On Tuesday, he underwent an operation to clear an artery; doctors said the results were satisfactory.