KEY POINTS:
Thai waitress Anun Suggunya was glued to the internet from her Mt Albert flat from midnight to the early hours yesterday for the Thai King's speech, hoping that he would suggest a way out of the country's political turmoil.
But in a stunning turn of events, Thailand's King
Bhumibol Adulyadej failed for the first time in his 61 years of monarchy to deliver his annual birthday-eve speech - instead leaving it to Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn to take his place.
Speaking for barely five minutes while seated on an empty throne, the 56-year-old prince said his father was "slightly ill", but "he wants everyone to have a strong mental and physical health to perform dutires for the public".
The 80-year-old monarch has little formal powers, but he wields great influence as Thailand's ultimate moral authority, and many Thais look to him as the last resort in times of crisis.
"Most Thais, whether they are living in Thailand or overseas, have placed their hope on our beloved King to lead us out of trouble in our country," Miss Anun said.
"After last night, it feels like all hope is gone."
The King's no-show has shocked many Thais, who were hoping that his annual message would help resolve the political turmoil that has been
going on for months. Thailand is now in political limbo after a court dissolved Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat's government, and Monday's special parliamentary session to select a new Prime Minister has been
cancelled.
Thailand is now being run by a caretaker government as politicians sort out who gets to run the next administration.
Members of the stunned local Thai community, who observed the King's birthday yesterday by donating blood and offering food at their temple in Kelston, said they will be dedicating prayers for peace at tomorrow's
public King's birthday celebrations at Mt Albert.
King Bhumibol, who has reigned since 1946, last visited New Zealand in 1962. He has a history of heart trouble, and is growing frail in recent years.
"I think many Thais are worried, not just for the future of our country, but also the health of our king, because Thailand really needs him. He is the only one now that can unite Thailand," said Maneeka Campbell, head of the Thai NZ Culture Society.
In Thailand, a sometimes violent anti-government campaign by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) has paralysed the government and brought the economy to its knees.