Bangkok, Thailand – The Thai government has announced the death of Queen Mother Sirikit, mother of the current King Maha Vajiralongkorn, at the age of 93. She passed away at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok. The Royal Household Office of Thailand confirmed the passing of the queen, a symbol of elegance, generosity, and compassion, after decades of dedicated service to the country and the royal community.
A legacy of culture and philanthropy
Sirikit Kitiyakara was born in 1932 and married King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1950. Throughout her husband’s seventy-year reign, she played a pivotal role in supporting the royal family. The late queen gained widespread popularity for her charitable work, including frequent visits to remote villages to support rural development and poverty reduction projects.
Queen Sirikit is also known for her role in promoting cultural heritage. She collaborated with French fashion designer Pierre Balmain to promote Thai silk fashion, contributing to the revitalization of the local silk industry and the preservation of traditional weaving techniques, becoming a global symbol of royal elegance and compassion.
National mourning and full royal ceremonies
The Thai Cabinet has ordered a year of national mourning, with flags flown at half-mast for 30 days and black clothing for at least 90 days, out of respect for the late queen. All recreational and ceremonial activities have also been suspended for a full month.
Regarding the funeral ceremony, the Thai government announced that it will be held with full royal honors inside the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The Queen Mother’s body will be transported on Sunday in a royal procession. This procession will stretch approximately 10 kilometers through Bangkok’s main streets. The body will be kept in state at the palace for religious ceremonies.
The passing of Queen Mother Sirikit marks the end of an era in Thailand, leaving behind a lasting legacy of royal commitment to social service and cultural support.
