Thailand's 81-year-old king made his first public appearance on Friday, October 23rd, after more than a month of being in the hospital. He visited statues of his parents and was surrounded by hundreds of well-wishers.

The health of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest-reigning monarch, is a sensitive topic in the country’s financial markets.

He’s the sole unifying figure in a politically polarized country with a long history of coups and upheaval.

The frail-looking monarch was accompanied by a medical team during an appearance that lasted less than half-an-hour.

Hundreds of supporters appeared overwhelmed as they bowed and pressed their hands together in a show of respect.

"I was really excited and I was overwhelmed to see him today. I was worried about his health for all this time when he was in the hospital. I just came in time to see him, I was really lucky. I have been here every day since he has been in the hospital."

Concerns about his health sparked a steep fall in Thai stock prices and the local baht currency last week, however markets have since rebounded.

The king's long disappearance from public view raised concern in largely Buddhist Thailand where many of his subjects regard him as almost divine.

Most of the country’s 67 million people have lived under his 63-year reign.