Thailand Clashes Between Opposition Protesters, Police Pause For King's Birthday

Called for stability in his annual birthday address

Thailand put the violence and street battles that have gripped the country over the last two weeks on hold Thursday to celebrate the 86th birthday of its revered monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who used his annual birthday speech to call for stability.

The day-long truce between anti-government protesters and police came as a gesture of tribute for a man long seen as a unifying figure, particularly in times of crisis.