Hong Kong superstar Andy Lau will most likely have to spend Chinese New Year in the hospital. He is recovering from a serious injury suffered while filming a commercial in Thailand on Jan. 17.

According to Hong Kong media Mingpao, 55-year-old Lau can now sit up for a while to chat with visitors. The report quoted film producer Tiffany Chen who visited him at the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital on Jan. 26.

She told reporters that Lau is "in good spirits" and can "sit up to chat for a while with a wide smile".

“Of course! Many people asked me to send blessings to Andy, and even suggested some doctor who can perform miracle healing for him. I truly believe all the people who love Andy do care deeply about this incident. Perhaps Andy has been doing lots of great work to help people, he got true blessings from the Buddha, this can be said to be the little mishap in the larger misfortune. I think it is just a minor incident. Andy will definitely be able to get well soon! We feel much ease after visiting him.”

Full recovery may take up to 11 months

Lau was thrown off a horse while shooting a tea commercial in Thailand. He had been bedridden since he was flown back from Thailand for treatment.

He has been advised by doctors to rest for up to 11 months after incurring multiple fractures on his pelvis as well as tendon and muscle strains.

In an update on his injuries through his fan club website on Jan. 23, he told his fans that he will be warded for six to eight weeks but assured them that his condition was stable. He also said he will need a further six to nine months before he recover.

"I know your pain will not be smaller or lesser than mine! I will recuperate quietly and strive to get well soon!"

Reports from Hong Kong estimated that the long revered hardest-working man in Hong Kong show business -- Lau may take up to 11 months to fully recover, and he could stand to lose an estimated HK$100 million (S$18 million) in potential income.

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Top photo from Getty Images.

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