Thai king calls for unity in run-up to elections

0 Comments | AFP, December, 2007

BANGKOK (AFP) — Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Tuesday called for national unity as the country heads into an election meant to restore democracy after a military coup last year.

The king, who turns 80 Wednesday, also threw his support behind a multi-billion-dollar spending spree to buy new military hardware, including fighter jets, tanks and a submarine.

He made the remarks in his annual address to the nation, an hour of off-the cuff remarks by the monarch delivered before more than 20,000 people at one of his Bangkok palaces and carried live on national radio.

The speech kicks off lavish celebrations for his birthday, which will be celebrated Wednesday with huge crowds in the streets to watch a string of sacred royal processions.

The...