ast crowds of devoted Thais turned out to catch a brief glimpse of their beloved king as the world's longest-reigning monarch celebrated his 85th birthday with a rare public appearance. King Bhumibol Adulyadej sat on a throne on a balcony overlooking a plaza packed with a crowd that police estimated at 200,000 as he delivered a brief homily on national harmony. Most in the crowd were dressed in the royal colour of yellow, many waving Thai flags and flags adorned with the king's insignia.