BANGKOK

 Thailand's King has been admitted to a local hospital, a statement released by the royal household revealed Saturday.

According to the statement, the 86-year-old monarch - Bhumipol Adulyadej - had been suffering from septicemia, low blood pressure and a possible infection.

The King has received treatment after being hospitalized late Friday night, and is in "stable" condition, it adds.

Bhumipol Adulyadej, the world's longest reigning monarch, is revered in Thailand as a unifying figure and enjoys protection by law and social customs, the former of which carries a penalty of 15 years in jail for defamation under the country’s harsh lese-majeste law.

"The King shall be enthroned in a position of revered worship and shall not be violated. No person shall expose the King to any sort of accusation or action," the 2007 Constitution of Thailand reads, with all 17 versions since 1932 containing the clause.

However, his succession has been one of the more contentious points in Thai politics over the last several years with a choice between two heirs - his eldest son, who has legal and traditional rights to the throne, and his second daughter, who enjoys popular support.

Critics worry that an uncertain succession process could lead to more instability for a country that has suffered widespread political protest and two military coups in the last eight years, the latest on May 22 this year. 

www.aa.com.tr/en