Thailand Mourns Loss of Beloved Queen Mother
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has canceled his scheduled attendance at the ASEAN Summit in Laos following the death of Her Majesty Queen Mother Sirikit. The revered royal, mother of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and widow of late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, passed away at age 92, triggering nationwide mourning.
National Mourning Declared
The Thai government has:
– Ordered flags flown at half-mast
– Postponed public events
– Announced extended mourning periods
PM Srettha will remain in Thailand to oversee royal funeral arrangements, demonstrating the monarchy’s central role in Thai society. Queen Sirikit, known as the “Mother of the Nation,” was celebrated for her humanitarian work and cultural preservation efforts.
ASEAN Summit Implications
The cancelled trip impacts:
1. Key regional discussions on Myanmar crisis
2. Southeast Asian economic cooperation
3. Thailand‘s diplomatic engagements
Deputy PM Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara will likely represent Thailand, though Srettha’s absence may affect negotiation dynamics given Thailand‘s influential ASEAN role.
Global Tributes and Public Response
International condolences have poured in from:
✓ Singapore PM Lawrence Wong
✓ Malaysia PM Anwar Ibrahim
✓ Other ASEAN leaders
Domestically, Thais are:
– Gathering at temples and palaces
– Sharing tributes on social media (#LongLiveQueenSirikit)
– Recalling her legacy in rural development and Thai silk revival
Upcoming Royal Funeral Proceedings
The nation prepares for elaborate Buddhist funeral rites, expected to mirror the scale of King Bhumibol’s 2017 ceremonies. The government will prioritize:
– Traditional royal protocols
– National mourning coordination
– Minimal disruption to essential services
