Thailand is in mourning today following the announcement from the Royal Palace that Her Majesty Queen Mother Sirikit has passed away at the age of 93. A figure of immense grace, influence, and reverence, the Queen Mother was a constant presence in the life of the nation for over seven decades, standing beside her husband, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, as a pillar of the modern Thai monarchy.
As the nation grieves, many are asking: who was the woman known as the “Mother of the Nation,” and what is the legacy she leaves behind?
Who Was Queen Sirikit? From Diplomat’s Daughter to Queen of Thailand
Born Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara in 1932, she was the daughter of a Thai prince and diplomat. Her early life was spent across Europe—in France, Denmark, and the United Kingdom—which gave her a worldly perspective. It was in Paris that she met a young King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and their romance quickly captured the hearts of the Thai people.
They were married in 1950, just a week before his formal coronation. At just 17, the elegant and poised young woman became Queen of Thailand. She quickly proved herself to be more than a consort, acting as a dynamic partner to the King. Her significance was cemented in 1956 when King Bhumibol undertook a traditional period as a Buddhist monk, and she was appointed Queen Regent, capably handling the affairs of state in his absence.
A Legacy of Culture: Reviving Thai Silk and Empowering Communities
Perhaps the most enduring legacy of Queen Mother Sirikit is her tireless work in preserving and promoting traditional Thai arts and crafts. In 1976, she founded the SUPPORT Foundation, an initiative aimed at providing supplementary income for rural families, particularly women, by encouraging them to practice their traditional crafts like silk weaving, basketry, and silverwork.
She travelled extensively throughout Thailand‘s remote villages, discovering near-extinct textile techniques and reviving them. This was more than just cultural preservation; it was a powerful form of economic empowerment that became a cornerstone of Queen Mother Sirikit‘s legacy.
Simultaneously, Queen Sirikit became a global fashion icon. She championed Thai silk on the world stage, commissioning renowned designers like Pierre Balmain to create stunning modern outfits from the traditional fabric. Her elegant wardrobe was a form of soft power, showcasing the beauty of Thai craftsmanship and single-handedly revitalising the country’s silk industry.
The ‘Mother of the Nation’: A Symbol of Unity and Stability
Beyond her projects, Queen Sirikit held a deeply symbolic role in the hearts of the Thai people. Her birthday, August 12th, is celebrated annually as Thailand’s national Mother’s Day, a testament to her maternal image. Alongside King Bhumibol, their 70-year reign was seen as a source of stability and unity through decades of political turbulence. They were a formidable partnership, with the King often referred to as the “father of the nation” and she its devoted mother.
In her later years, the Queen Mother withdrew from public life due to declining health, especially after the passing of King Bhumibol in 2016. Yet, her image and influence remained omnipresent.
As Thailand says goodbye to its Queen Mother, it mourns not just a royal figure, but a cultural architect, a champion of the rural poor, and the woman who helped weave the fabric of modern Thailand. Her legacy is not only found in the grand palaces of Bangkok but in the humble looms of village homes, where the threads of silk will continue to tell her remarkable story for generations to come.
