Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej leaves from Siriraj Hospital to the Grand Palace in Bangkok[Photo/Agencies]

A woman cries after seeing Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej on his return to Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok.[Photo/Agencies]

People hold pictures of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej as they wait for him to leave Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok. [Photo/Agencies]

People react after seeing Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej on his return to Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok.[Photo/Agencies]

BANGKOK - Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej Monday called for national unity and stability on the occasion of his 84th birthday.

The King began with thanking his people for their blessings as he made an appearance on at Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall to grant a public audience during a state ceremony marking his seventh 12-year birthday cycle. He said that the flood, the worst in decades, has prevailed the country for more than 4 months and called for utmost and collective efforts to help flood victims.

He said that the obligation of the government, military and the civil departments lies in the pursuit of the national stability and people's happiness. A paramount step to achieve this is to ensure that there is no conflict and no split in the country, the King said.

With many Thais still suffering from the floods, He urged all the parties to forget conflicts and encourage one another so as to solve the problem as soon as possible. He also suggested those involved in flood relief operations not only to fight against the natural disaster for the moment, but also to keep it in check for the long-run and in a sustainable way. The water-management ideas, he has mentioned before were recommended.

The ceremony was attended by members of other royal families, the commanders of the three branches of the Armed Forces, parliamentarians and diplomats. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra represented government officials to make a speech to honor the King.

The government is staging grand festivals for seven days and seven nights until Friday.