Thailand in mourning: Queen Sirikit dies at the age of 93

Thailand in mourning: Queen Sirikit dies at the age of 93

The Thai nation stands still in mourning for its beloved Queen Sirikit, who has passed away at the age of 93. Her life story is closely interwoven with the history of Thailand, which she accompanied as monarch for over six and a half decades. Sirikit was not only the heart of her family but also the symbol of royal grace and elegance, especially in the 50s and 60s. The mourning period for the Queen is expected to last a full year, reflecting the deep respect and affection she enjoyed among the population. This is reported by Radio Lippe.

Sirikit, the daughter of a Thai prince, was born on August 12, 1932 in Bangkok. Considered the country's "dream couple," her relationship with King Bhumibol Adulyadej began in Paris in 1947, where the two initially disliked each other but quickly developed a deep connection. After the engagement in 1949, the wedding took place on April 28, 1950 at the Sra Pathum Palace, followed by Bhumibol's coronation just a short time later. This was reported by Wikipedia.

Social commitment and legacy

The Queen was passionately committed to social projects in Thailand. From 1956 she took over the presidency of the Thai Red Cross. Her commitment during political crises, when she stood up for the needs of the people, is particularly noteworthy. Sirikit also introduced refugee camps on the border with Cambodia to help in times of crisis. Her birthday is celebrated throughout the country as an official holiday and Mother's Day, which once again shows how important she was in society.

The queen often fades into the background, but her influence has remained despite a stroke in 2012 that left her withdrawn from the public eye. Her last public appearance was in 2016, when she accompanied her late husband's funeral procession. In recent years, she was neither present at her son Maha Vajiralongkorn's coronation in 2019 nor seen in public, a sad reality for many Thais.

The love story for eternity

The extraordinary connection between Sirikit and Bhumibol, which began with their first meeting in Paris, was not only a romantic but also a sustainable partnership from the start. They supported each other in difficult times, so Sirikit stood by Bhumibol during his hospital stays. During their reign, they looked after the well-being of the Thai people and initiated numerous social projects that still have a lasting impact today. Her legacy will live on in both the hearts and institutions of Thailand.

Although Thailand is going through turbulent times today, the memory of the “Queen of Hearts” remains alive. Sirikit's sacrifice, grace and strength not only shaped the monarchy but also found a special place in the hearts of the people. She was for many the mother of all Thais, a symbol of hope that shines in many amid the current political unrest.