He was discharged this afternoon. Quite a spectacular motorcade from the hospital to the palace. I think I counted 25 cars in total. Thousands of people lining the streets. Pete
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BANGKOK, Thailand - Thailand's 78-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej has recovered faster than expected from spinal surgery and was to be discharged from a hospital Friday, the palace said.
Bhumibol, the world's longest-serving monarch, celebrated his 60th year on the throne with lavish festivities in mid-June that were attended by royalty from around the world.
In the two weeks since undergoing surgery the king has gained weight and was walking with the help of a walker, the palace said in a statement.
"His majesty's muscles are gaining strength faster than expected," said the statement, adding that the monarch's doctors had advised him to continue exercising and to refrain from official duties "for a certain period."
Bhumibol underwent surgery July 20 for a condition known as lumbar spinal stenosis, which is often a result of aging. Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that can compress the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain and weakness in the legs.