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Mourning in Thailand: Queen Sirikit dies at the age of 93
Thailand's Queen Mother Sirikit has died at the age of 93. A period of mourning and a funeral with royal honors were announced.
Mourning in Thailand: Queen Sirikit dies at the age of 93
On October 24, 2025, Thai Queen Sirikit, also known as the Queen Mother, died at the age of 93. The death was announced by the royal household in Bangkok after she had been suffering from a blood infection since October 17 and her condition had not improved despite medical measures. She died in a hospital, leaving a significant void in Thai society. The time reports that a funeral "with the highest royal honors" was announced and a year-long mourning period was declared.
Sirikit was one of Thailand's most famous figures and was revered throughout the country. Her birthday, August 12, was traditionally celebrated as Mother's Day, underscoring her importance as a symbolic mother figure. She was born Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara on August 12, 1932 and married King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1950. The couple had four children together and were fixtures in the international aristocracy for decades. The South China Morning Post adds that her portrait could be found in numerous Thai homes and offices.
A life of service to society
Sirikit was not only queen, but was also responsible for many charitable projects. She was honorary president of the Thai Red Cross since 1956 and was committed to supporting Cambodian refugees and protecting nature. Their commitment to Thai culture was appreciated; she supported historical projects such as the film “The Legend of Suriyothai”. Many institutions in the country are named after her, including the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health and the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok.
Despite health challenges that caused her to all but retire from public life after a stroke in 2012, she remained a respected and popular figure. Her life's work and her participation in important social events made her an icon who received high recognition not only in the political sphere, but also in the fashion world. Her charisma was once described by Vanity Fair as “Asia’s Jackie Kennedy.” Wikipedia describes how she remained a defining figure in Thailand until her death, although she hardly appeared in public since 2016, the year after her husband's death.
Mourning for the Queen Mother will be felt across the country, and her unforgettable contributions to Thai society will live on for generations to come. Their legacy is not only carried on in the hearts of the Thai people, but is also reflected in the culture and history of the country.