Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit has passed away at the age of 93, as confirmed by the Thai Royal Household bureau on Saturday. Known for her elegance and charm, Sirikit had been less visible to the public since suffering a stroke in 2012.
Married to King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand’s longest-reigning monarch, Sirikit shared a life of charity work and grace with him. Together, they captured the hearts of the Thai people and international audiences with their philanthropic endeavors and stylish presence.
Born in 1932, Sirikit, previously known as Sirikit Kitiyakara, hailed from a privileged background as the daughter of Thailand’s ambassador to France. Her meeting with Bhumibol in Paris while studying music and language marked the beginning of their enduring love story, culminating in their marriage in Thailand when she was just 17.
Sirikit’s influence extended beyond her royal duties as she collaborated with renowned couturier Pierre Balmain to showcase exquisite Thai silk outfits, supporting the revival of Thailand’s silk industry. The queen mother also dedicated over four decades to accompanying the king on visits to rural Thai villages, championing development projects for underprivileged communities.
Her legacy includes being briefly appointed regent in 1956 and having her birthday declared Mother’s Day and a national holiday in Thailand. Following King Bhumibol’s passing in 2016, their son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, succeeded the throne, and Sirikit was bestowed the title of Queen Mother upon his coronation in 2019.
While the Thai monarchy is traditionally apolitical, Queen Mother Sirikit occasionally made politically significant statements, such as endorsing Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai in 1998 and associating with the royalist People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) movement in later years.
Her death will be mourned by many Thais who admired her charitable endeavors and viewed her as a paragon of maternal virtues. In a country where criticism of the royal family is restricted by strict laws, Sirikit’s passing will be met with solemn respect.
Queen Mother Sirikit is survived by her son, the reigning king, and three daughters.
