04 DECEMBER 2012 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A vendor wearing yellow sells Thai flags and the flag of the Thai Monarchy in front of Siriraj Hospital. Yellow is the official color of the Thai King, who celebrates his 85th birthday Wednesday, Dec. 5. The King lives in Siriraj. He is expected to make a rare public appearance and address the nation from Mukkhadej balcony of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall in the Royal Plaza. The last time he did so was in 2006. His birthday is a public holiday in Thailand and hundreds of thousands of people are expected to jam the streets around the Royal Plaza and Grand Palace to participate in the festivities. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ