Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit Dies at 93, Nation Mourns
Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit has passed away at the age of 93, as confirmed by the Thai Royal Household Bureau on Saturday. Sirikit, who played a significant role in modernizing the monarchy and served as a prominent public figure, died late on Friday after suffering from several health issues, including a bloodstream infection that developed on October 17, 2023. She had been hospitalized since 2019 and had largely remained out of the public eye since a stroke in 2012.
Following her death, the government announced a mourning period of one year for members of the royal family and the royal household. Public offices will display flags at half-mast for one month, and government officials have been asked to observe a year of mourning. In light of this, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul canceled his trip to the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur to honor the Queen Mother’s passing.
A Legacy of Style and Compassion
Queen Mother Sirikit was not only known for her royal duties but also for her charm and elegance, which captivated both the Thai public and the international community. She was married to King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand’s longest-reigning monarch, whose reign lasted for 70 years until his death in 2016. Sirikit often accompanied the king on his royal engagements, and their charitable endeavors won them admiration across the nation.
Born in 1932, Sirikit Kitiyakara was the daughter of Thailand’s ambassador to France. She lived a life of privilege and studied music and language in Paris, where she met Bhumibol. Their relationship blossomed despite a rocky start; she humorously recalled it as “hate at first sight” due to his tardiness. The couple became engaged in 1949 and married in Thailand in 1950 when she was just 17 years old.
Throughout her life, Sirikit collaborated with renowned designer Pierre Balmain to create stunning outfits from Thai silk, which helped revive the country’s silk industry. Her dedication to preserving traditional weaving practices has made her an enduring figure in Thai cultural heritage.
Championing Rural Development and Social Causes
For over four decades, Sirikit actively participated in royal projects aimed at improving the lives of the rural poor. She traveled extensively with King Bhumibol to remote villages, advocating for development initiatives that gained significant media coverage through the country’s Royal Bulletin.
In 1956, during a brief period when Bhumibol was studying to become a Buddhist monk, she served as regent. Her birthday, celebrated on August 12, was designated as Mother’s Day and a national holiday in Thailand in 1976. Following the death of her husband, her son, now King Maha Vajiralongkorn, ascended the throne, and she was formally recognized as the Queen Mother.
While the monarchy is officially apolitical in Thailand, Sirikit occasionally engaged in political matters. In 1998, she used her birthday speech to rally support for then-Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai, effectively undermining opposition efforts for a no-confidence vote. Additionally, she became associated with the royalist People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), which played a pivotal role in political protests that led to the downfall of governments linked to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Sirikit’s death is being met with profound reverence in Thailand, where the monarchy is highly respected. The government has urged the private sector to adjust celebrations during the mourning period. Scheduled concerts by the K-pop group Blackpink will proceed, with organizers requesting attendees to wear black and white in tribute.
Mourners gathered outside Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok, where she passed away, reflecting on her impact. One Bangkok resident, Maneenat Laowalert, 67, expressed her sorrow: “When I learned the news, my world stopped and I had flashes from the past of all the things that Her Majesty has done for us.”
Queen Mother Sirikit is survived by her son, the king, and three daughters. Her legacy of compassion, style, and public service will continue to resonate in Thailand for years to come.
