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Funeral service for Queen Sirikit: Thailand's royals honor the legend
On October 29, 2025, the funeral ceremony for the late Queen Sirikit took place in Bangkok, which was also attended by Bhutanese royals.
Funeral service for Queen Sirikit: Thailand's royals honor the legend
On the evening of October 29, 2025, a moving memorial service for the late Queen Sirikit took place, which captivated numerous royals and mourners. The ceremony began promptly at 7:15 p.m. in the magnificent Dusit Maha Prasat, a significant part of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida traveled by royal car from Amarindras Palace to pay their last respects to their mother, while Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana and Princess Sinthiphalakani were also present to share the honorable farewell. As chiangmainews reports, Lady Ploypailin Jensen received the royal family at the Dusit Maha Prasat.
The King and Queen held talks on the momentous evening with the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and Queen Jetsun Pema, who also came to pay their respects. This participation underlined not only the family connections but also the deep cultural ties between Thailand and Bhutan, as bangkokbiznews highlights. During the ceremony, the King and Queen lit candles and incense at the late Queen's coffin and bowed, a gesture of respect and reverence that is of great importance in such ritual occasions.
A ritual of mourning and respect
The mourning ceremony is part of an extensive ritual process carried out over a period of 100 days and includes daily ceremonies and feedings for monks. Monks from Wat Bowonniwet Vihara and Wat Sutthasath Vora Ram led prayers during the ceremony, an important tradition deeply rooted in Thai culture. These practices are not only important for saying goodbye to the deceased, but also provide comfort for those left behind.
Traditionally, funerals in Thailand play a central role in people's lives by paying homage, supporting the deceased on their journey to the next life and assisting those who mourn, according to the Thailand Foundation. The mourning rituals are characterized by a mixture of animism, Brahmanism-Hinduism and Buddhism, which gives Thai burial its unique spirituality. Various elements are used, such as the “meru”, which is considered the gateway to heaven, and the performance of several ceremonies over a longer period of time.
International sympathy and friendship
Among the many guests was Wolfgang Kiessling, a German friend of the late queen, who expressed his condolences. Kiessling, who appreciates Thai art and culture, actively supports a foundation to promote Thai handicrafts. His presence makes it clear that the threads of friendship that transcend national borders are of great importance in difficult times like these.
Queen Sirikit's ceremony was not just a farewell, but an impressive testament to the cultural connection and deep reverence that the royals are shown. During this time of remembrance, Thai culture and the importance of community and support for those grieving comes into focus once again.