Select Language:
Thailand’s former Queen Sirikit, the mother of King Vajiralongkorn and wife of the nation’s longest-reigning monarch, died late Friday at age 93, according to the palace. The royal family holds a sacred status in Thailand, often regarded as semi-divine figures, and is extensively covered by the media, with portraits displayed prominently in public spaces and homes across the country.
“Her loss is profoundly felt by the nation,” Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced Saturday, choosing to postpone his departure for a Southeast Asian leaders’ summit in Malaysia.
During her 66 years of marriage to King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Sirikit established a reputation as both a fashion icon and a compassionate mother figure of the nation—so much so that Western media often featured her on magazine covers, comparing her to former U.S. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.
Housekeeper Sasis Putthasit, 53, expressed her feelings early Saturday in Bangkok, saying, “I had heard she was unwell, and knowing she was in her 90s, I understood this day would come.” She added, “But I didn’t think it would be today. I feel sad because she was like a mother to the entire country, and now she’s gone.”
The palace issued a statement indicating Sirikit had been battling several illnesses, including a blood infection just this month, and that her health declined until she passed away at Chulalongkorn Hospital.
Her passing has prompted members of the royal family to initiate a year-long period of mourning, as announced by the palace. Thai news anchors began wearing black during broadcasts on Saturday to reflect national grief.
People gathered outside Chulalongkorn Hospital, holding portraits of the late queen, with many expressing their sorrow and reverence. Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a former diplomat and scholar of the monarchy, remarked to AFP that her death is a significant event for Thailand and its royal family, given her popularity and close ties to the revered late king.
Known as the “Mother of the Nation,” Sirikit’s legacy dates back to her husband’s lengthy reign from 1946 until 2016, a period that spanned from the aftermath of World War II to the inauguration of President Donald Trump. Although her son became king nearly a decade ago, Sirikit remains a symbol of stability and loyalty, especially as she gradually withdrew from the public eye due to health issues and strict royal confidentiality laws.
In her prime during the 1960s, Sirikit mingled with U.S. presidents and global icons like Elvis Presley, while also frequently touring rural Thailand to visit villagers. Her birthday was celebrated as the country’s Mother’s Day, underscoring her role as a maternal figure.
Store owner Tanyaporn Arammetha, who grew up witnessing her parents’ divorce, shared that she always viewed the king and queen as parental figures. “Sirikit showed me that she truly cared for the Thai people, like a parent loves their children,” she said.
While the Thai monarchy traces its origins to 1782, the line of succession following King Vajiralongkorn remains somewhat unclear, as he has yet to appoint an official heir. He has seven children, including four sons from previous marriages who have been disowned and a 20-year-old son, Dipangkorn Rasmijoti.
Despite widespread reverence, the royal family faced unprecedented protests in 2020, with thousands of young Thais demanding political reforms and challenging the monarchy’s influence—something previously unseen in the country’s history.
Throughout her life, Sirikit also drew attention when she attended the funeral of a royalist protester in 2008, highlighting her visibility during contentious moments. Following King Bhumibol’s death, Thailand observed a year of mourning, with flags flown at half-mast, bans on celebrations, and citizens wearing black.
Her body will lie in state at Bangkok’s Grand Palace, with many expressing their grief. Kanjana Malaithong, a mourner, reflected that Thailand has “lost two guiding figures” in Sirikit and her husband, expressing a hopeful sentiment that they are watching over the nation from heaven.
International leaders have also extended condolences. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif voiced their sorrow, with the president’s office noting that Pakistan shares in Thailand’s grief and stands with the nation during this difficult time.
ChatGPT
Perplexity
Gemini AI
Grok AI
