Palace officials in Thailand have said that King Bhumibol Adulyadej's condition remains unstable. In a statement released on Wednesday evening, the palace said the king is still suffering from liver problems and is now battling a new infection.

The 88-year-old is the world's longest-reigning monarch and is widely respected in Thailand. Crowds of well-wishers have gathered outside Bangkok hospital to pray for his recovery.

Thai citizens pray for the health of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, Oct. 12, 2016. Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej's blood pressure lowered further and is still in an unstable condition, the palace said in a statement late Wednesday. (Xinhua/Li Mangmang)