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The health of Thailand's king Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest reigning monarch, has "not yet stabilised", the palace said.

The government had earlier urged people not to listen to social media posts about "situations" after reports over the 88-year-old's condition.

The statement from the palace follows one on Sunday in which it said the king was in an unstable condition after receiving haemodialysis treatment, which is used to cleanse the blood of toxins, extra salts and fluids.

The palace said: "On Octpber 11 his blood pressure lowered and breath quickened," adding that the king's health has "overall not yet stabilised".

UPDATE:

He was crowned King of Thailand in June 1946 - six years before Queen Elizabeth II.

Several hundred people gathered on Wednesday at Siriraj Hospital, where the king has been for much of the past year, to pray for the widely revered monarch.

(Image: AP)

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: REUTERS)

Thais wearing pink and yellow in his honour have camped outside the Bangkok hospital since Sunday.

During his seven decades on the throne the king has intervened when events threatened to plunge Thailand into crisis.

King Bhumibol has recently suffered a number of illnesses related to old age, including kidney and lung problems.

He has been treated for various ailments over the past year and was last seen in public in January when he spent several hours visiting his palace in the capital, Bangkok.

All four of the king's children, including Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn visited him on Wednesday.

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: Getty)

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who is also head of the ruling junta, cancelled an official engagement in the eastern province of Chonburi on Wednesday morning.

The foreign ministry said: "The prime minister did not undertake his official duties in Chonburi province today in order to prepare for an audience with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for a routine presentation on the government's work in progress.

"The government spokesman has urged for the Thai public to rely on official announcements for an update on situations, rather than uncorroborated information in social media circles."

(Image: REUTERS)

There is great concern about the eventual succession of the king - who has reigned for 70 years.

The Stock Exchange of Thailand closed down 2.5 per cent its lowest since the end of May, after falling as much as 6.9 per cent at one point to its lowest since March 1, led by shares in the aviation and tourism industries.

Wednesday's palace statement was the third health bulletin this month after the palace said the king was recovering from a respiratory infection.

Laws protecting the royals from insult make it a crime to defame, insult or threaten the King, Queen, heir to the throne or regent.