Thailand mourns Queen Sirikit: A journey through life in Switzerland

Thailand mourns Queen Sirikit: A journey through life in Switzerland

Thailand mourns the death of its Queen Sirikit, who died on November 5, 2025 at the age of 93. Known as the “Mother of the Nation,” she was the widow of King Bhumibol and the mother of the current monarch, King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X). The Thai royal family announced that the deceased died of complications from a blood infection and that a year-long national mourning was declared, which began on October 25, 2025. During this time, flags will be flown at half-mast for 30 days and the population will also be subject to a 90-day mourning period.

Queen Sirikit, born on August 12, 1932, was raised in the home of her maternal grandfather, Lord Vongsanuprabhand. Her name, meaning “the greatness of Kitiyakara,” was given to her by Queen Rambai Barni. She was the eldest child of Prince Nakkhatra Mangkala Kitiyakara and Mom Luang Bua Snidvongs and had a total of three siblings. In 1946 her family moved to Great Britain, where her father worked as an ambassador. After returning to Thailand, she attended various schools, including the Rajini School and the Saint Francis Xavier Convent School.

A royal love

In 1948 in Paris, Sirikit met the future King Bhumibol, who was related to her. The quiet engagement in 1949 in Lausanne, followed by the wedding on April 28, 1950 in the Srapathum Palace, is particularly striking. Their coronation took place just a week later on May 5, 1950, and the couple initially lived in Switzerland. It was here that Sirikit gave birth to their first daughter, Princess Ubol Ratana, before they eventually returned to Bangkok. The royal couple had four children together: Ubol Ratana, Vajiralongkorn, Sirindhorn and Chulabhorn.

What is particularly noteworthy is that in 1956, during King Bhumibol's temporary ordination as a monk, Sirikit assumed the regency and was thus officially appointed Regent of Thailand. This was a sign of her strong personality and her responsibilities as queen. In addition to being a royal figure, she was also a woman who was active in promoting charitable projects and was valued for her support of the Thai people.

Cultural icon

Sirikit was also known for her elegant style and worked with famous couturier Pierre Balmain. Their influence extended far beyond the royal family; numerous institutions in Thailand are named after her, including the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health. She also served as honorary president of the Thai Red Cross, thereby serving the country's humanitarian aid and cultural preservation.

After a stroke in 2012, the Queen withdrew from public life and has hardly appeared in recent years. Her remains will be open to the public from October 26, 2025 at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall in the Grand Palace, where she received a royal coffin. Her cremation is scheduled for October 2026, a year after her death, with mourning rituals reflecting the deep respect and reverence Sirikit enjoyed throughout her long life.

In Thailand, August 12, her birthday, is celebrated not only as Queen's Day but also as Mother's Day, showing her undying connection to the people and her homeland. Her promotion of Thai culture and her devotion to the people will not be forgotten. Sirikit will always live on in the hearts of Thai people.

For more information about Queen Sirikit's life and her influence on Thailand, you can read the reports from Swissinfo, Wikipedia(en) and Wikipedia read.