Thai king appeals for stability after violent protests

Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej urged the nation to work together for "stability" in a speech Thursday on his 86th birthday, as protesters prepare for fresh anti-government rallies following a temporary lull in unrest. The kingdom remains on edge following several days of street clashes during demonstrations aimed at overthrowing Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and curbing the political influence of her brother Thaksin. Demonstrators and police in Bangkok have observed a temporary truce since Wednesday for birthday celebrations for King Bhumibol, who is treated as a near-deity by many Thais. But protesters, who maintain their occupation of the finance ministry and a key government complex on the outskirts of Bangkok, have vowed to gear up their rallies again from Friday.