While the situation in Bangkok appears to be returning to normal with the full restoration of flights at the Suvarnabhumi Airport on Friday, fear of instability still grips the capital city over the medical condition of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The fear was fueled by the failure of the 81-year old monarch to deliver his traditional birthday eve public address on Thursday due to a throat infection. Some political observers, though, opined the king deliberately kept silent to help calm down the heated political situation in Thailand following the eight-day takeover of the international gateway and the removal from office of Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

Despite the king's ailment, the nation nevertheless celebrated his natal day, which was declared a public holiday, by decorating Bangkok's streets with flags, buntings and photos of the royal family.

The joyous atmosphere was felt not only on the streets but also at the airport after flights resumed allowing thousands of stranded tourists to leave the country. To celebrate the return to normal operations at the Subarnabhumi Airport, puppet shows and dance performances were held.

Other than King Bhumibol's ailment, the cause behind the fear gripping the nation despite the apparent festivities is the political crisis still present since Thailand still has no political leader and no date has been set yet by the parliament to elect a new prime minister.