THAI KING HOSPITALIZED AFTER STROKE; CONDITION

C O N F I D E N T I A L BANGKOK 005437 SIPDIS SIPDIS NSC FOR PHU E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/16/2017 TAGS: PGOV PINR TH SUBJECT: THAI KING HOSPITALIZED AFTER STROKE; CONDITION REPORTEDLY IMPROVING Classified By: Ambassador Ralph L. Boyce, reason: 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej was hospitalized on October 13 after what the Palace described publicly as inadequate blood flow to his left cerebral cortex, resulting in weakness on the right side of his body. Privately, Arsa Sarasin, the King's Principal Private Secretary, told the Ambassador late on October 13 that the King had suffered a minor stroke. ¶2. (C) The Ambassador spoke again with Arsa Sarasin on October 16. Arsa said the King's condition was improving, but he would need physical therapy for his right side. Arsa noted also that the King, whose enjoyment of jazz is legendary, would not be able to join in a jam session with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, which will visit Thailand in the middle of November and perform at events in honor of the King's 80th birthday. Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn would represent the King at a mid-November Preservation Hall gala dinner organized in part by the Embassy, Arsa said. ¶3. (C) Comment: While the King appears to be recovering from this latest setback, his hospitalization reminds us how tenuous his health is, and how suddenly Thailand could be devastated by his loss. BOYCE