MWE Correspondent
Thailand is in mourning following the death of Queen Sirikit, the revered Queen Mother, who passed away on Friday evening at 9:21 p.m. local time. She was 93.
According to a statement from the Bureau of the Royal Household, Queen Sirikit had been under continuous medical care at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok since September 2019. Her health had been fragile for several years, and she developed a serious bloodstream infection on October 17. Despite extensive treatment, her condition deteriorated, and she died surrounded by family and medical staff.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn has declared a period of mourning and ordered that royal funeral rites be conducted with the highest honors. Flags will fly at half-mast across government buildings as the nation pays tribute to a woman many considered the “Mother of the Nation.”
Born on August 12, 1932, in Bangkok, Queen Sirikit Kitiyakara married the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and served beside him throughout his 70-year reign. Her life’s work went far beyond the ceremonial duties of royalty — she dedicated herself to improving the lives of Thailand’s rural poor, supporting education, women’s empowerment, and traditional handicrafts.
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During her lifetime, she established numerous foundations that encouraged local artisans to preserve ancient Thai weaving and craft techniques, helping entire communities gain sustainable income. Her initiatives through the SUPPORT Foundation, launched in 1976, gave rural women an opportunity to showcase and sell their handmade products nationally and abroad.
Her influence extended to environmental protection as well. The Queen Mother promoted conservation projects in Thailand’s forests and wetlands, emphasizing the deep connection between nature, culture, and national identity.
In earlier years, Queen Sirikit was also a symbol of elegance and grace. International media frequently praised her poise and sense of style, often comparing her to global icons such as Jacqueline Kennedy. Wherever she traveled, she represented Thailand’s beauty, heritage, and strength to the world.
After suffering a stroke in 2012, Queen Sirikit gradually withdrew from public life, with her son, King Vajiralongkorn, assuming a more active royal role. Yet, her birthday — August 12 — continues to be celebrated nationwide as Mother’s Day in Thailand, honoring her legacy of compassion and service.
Her death marks the end of an era. For many Thais, Queen Sirikit embodied continuity through decades of social and political change. Her vision for a more self-reliant, united, and culturally proud Thailand continues to inspire both leaders and citizens.
As the nation prepares for her state funeral, messages of sympathy have poured in from around the world, recognizing her as not just a royal figure, but a humanitarian who touched millions of lives.
Queen Sirikit’s life remains a reflection of the values she championed — dignity, compassion, and an enduring love for her people and her country.
