A Nation in Mourning
Bangkok, Thailand – The Royal Household Bureau has announced that Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother has died at the age of 93, marking the end of a remarkable era for the Kingdom of Thailand.
The beloved matriarch, wife of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and mother of the current monarch, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, passed away peacefully at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok following a long illness. The news has plunged the nation into deep sorrow as Thais mourn the passing of a figure they have long revered as the “Mother of the Nation.”
A statement from the palace confirmed the news, triggering an immediate and profound outpouring of grief across the country. A national mourning period is expected to be announced, with Thai embassies and government buildings worldwide preparing to fly flags at half-mast.
A Life of Service and Grace
Born Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara in 1932 to a noble family, her life was one of extraordinary duty. Her path became intertwined with Thailand’s destiny when she met the young King Bhumibol in Paris, where her father was serving as the Thai ambassador. Their romance led to a spectacular wedding in Bangkok in 1950, just one week before the King’s formal coronation.
For 66 years, Queen Sirikit was a constant and elegant presence beside her husband. Together, their royal partnership provided a crucial sense of stability and continuity for Thailand through decades of political change and economic development.
Champion of Thai Culture and Heritage
While King Bhumibol was the “Father of the Nation,” focused on development projects, Queen Sirikit became its heart. As President of the Thai Red Cross Society, she was a tireless leader of humanitarian efforts, providing aid to refugees and remote rural communities.
Perhaps her most enduring legacy was the revival and promotion of traditional Thai handicrafts. She is credited with almost single-handedly revitalizing the nation’s silk industry, travelling to impoverished villages to encourage women to weave exquisite Mudmee silk. Her patronage provided a vital source of income for countless families and transformed Thai silk into a globally recognized symbol of artistry.
A Lasting Legacy as the ‘Mother of the Nation’
A global fashion icon, Queen Sirikit expertly blended Western couture with traditional Thai textiles, using her style as a form of soft diplomacy on the world stage. Her grace and vibrant silk gowns captivated world leaders and earned her a place among the world’s most admired royals.
After the passing of King Bhumibol in 2016, she assumed the title of Queen Mother. Though she withdrew from public life in her later years due to declining health, her presence remained a powerful symbol of the nation’s values. Her birthday, August 12th, is celebrated nationally as Mother’s Day, a testament to the deep affection her people held for her. As Thailand prepares for the elaborate royal funeral rites, her life of service and unwavering dedication remains a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
