26 NOVEMBER 2012 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: People pray for the hospitalized King in the courtyard at Siriraj Hospital, outside the wing housing the King of Thailand, in Bangkok. Siriraj was the first hospital in Thailand and was founded by King Chulalongkorn in 1888. It is named after the king's 18-month old son, Prince Siriraj Kakuttaphan, who had died from dysentery a year before the opening of the hospital. It's reported to one of the best hospitals in Thailand and has been home to Bhumibol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand, since 2009, when he was hospitalized to treat several ailments. Since his hospitalization tens of thousands of people have come to pay respects and offer get well wishes. The King's 85th birthday is on Dec 5 and crowds at the hospital are growing as his birthday approaches. The King is much revered throughout Thailand and is seen as unifying force in the politically fractured country. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ