DHAKA: Thailand’s revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej asked the nation to work together for ‘stability’, speaking at an event to mark his 86th birthday during a lull in political tensions after violent anti-government protests.

The monarch, who is treated as a near-deity by many Thais, said the country was peaceful because ‘everybody worked together’ during a formal ceremony attended by embattled prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

‘Every Thai should be aware of this and should perform their role for the benefit of the country, which is the stability and security of the country,’ he said in a speech broadcast on all Thai television channels, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1350 HRS, DEC 05, 2013