Privy Council chairman and statesman Gen Prem Tinsulanonda will not be able to attend a traditional reception party on Sunday night to mark Royal Thai Armed Forces Day for health reasons, according to his aide Lt Gen Pitsanu Phuthawong.
Lt Gen Pitsanu said Gen Prem has informed the organiser of the party that he will not be able to attend.
Those expected to be in attendance include Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, chairman of the National Council Peace and Order (NCPO), and Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, as well as cabinet members, the permanent secretary for defence, the supreme commander, commanders of all armed forces, the Royal Thai Police commander and their spouses.
Lt Gen Pitsanu said Gen Prem, 98, has eaten less and felt weak since early last week.
A doctor who conducted a medical check-up on him at his Sisao Thewes residence advised Gen Prem to skip unnecessary functions and rest.
Lt Gen Pitsanu said the Privy Council chairman has been taking regular exercise to keep himself strong, including a half-hour evening walk, but has recently reduced the walk to about 15 minutes.
He still chairs a Privy Council meeting every Tuesday, however.
Lt Gen Pitsanu denied speculation that Gen Prem was seeking to avoid a particular person at the reception, saying that poor health is the reason he is not attending.