Thailand Mourns Queen Mother Sirikit at Age 93
Beloved royal figure famed for rural development and craft-preservation initiatives passes away in Bangkok hospital
Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit, a tireless advocate for the rural poor, craftswomen and environmental conservation, has died at the age of 93. She passed away late Friday in a Bangkok hospital after developing a blood infection earlier this month, the Royal Household Bureau announced.
Born on August 12 1932 into the aristocratic Kitiyakara family, Sirikit married King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) in 1950 and became widely known for her frequent journeys to remote villages, her patronage of the national silk industry and her wildlife- and forest-conservation programmes.
Her birthday was celebrated as Mother’s Day in Thailand and her portrait was ubiquitous in homes and public spaces.
Her health had declined after a stroke in 2012 and she remained largely out of the public eye in recent years.
Since October 17 she had been treated for a bloodstream infection, and despite the efforts of medical staff her condition worsened until she died at the age of 93.
In recognition of her passing, King Maha Vajiralongkorn ordered a royal funeral with the highest honours and instructed a one-year mourning period for members of the royal family and palace officials.
The government declared that national flags will fly at half-mast for 30 days, while civil servants will observe mourning for the year ahead.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the death of Sirikit constituted “a great loss for the country,” noting the Queen Mother’s legacy in promoting development and unity across Thai society.
Mourners gathered early on Saturday outside Chulalongkorn Hospital, where she died, with many describing an atmosphere of national grief.
Among her achievements, Sirikit established the SUPPORT Foundation in 1976 to sustain traditional Thai crafts, pioneered forestry and hatchery-projects under the banner “Forest Loves Water”, and supported refugees and minority communities.
While the monarchy typically remains apart from political life, she occasionally stepped into public moments of grievance and national crisis in later decades.
Her passing marks the end of an era for the Thai monarchy.
She is survived by her son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, and daughters Princesses Ubolratana, Sirindhorn and Chulabhorn — and by a legacy of devotion to rural communities, cultural heritage and the environment.
Born on August 12 1932 into the aristocratic Kitiyakara family, Sirikit married King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) in 1950 and became widely known for her frequent journeys to remote villages, her patronage of the national silk industry and her wildlife- and forest-conservation programmes.
Her birthday was celebrated as Mother’s Day in Thailand and her portrait was ubiquitous in homes and public spaces.
Her health had declined after a stroke in 2012 and she remained largely out of the public eye in recent years.
Since October 17 she had been treated for a bloodstream infection, and despite the efforts of medical staff her condition worsened until she died at the age of 93.
In recognition of her passing, King Maha Vajiralongkorn ordered a royal funeral with the highest honours and instructed a one-year mourning period for members of the royal family and palace officials.
The government declared that national flags will fly at half-mast for 30 days, while civil servants will observe mourning for the year ahead.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the death of Sirikit constituted “a great loss for the country,” noting the Queen Mother’s legacy in promoting development and unity across Thai society.
Mourners gathered early on Saturday outside Chulalongkorn Hospital, where she died, with many describing an atmosphere of national grief.
Among her achievements, Sirikit established the SUPPORT Foundation in 1976 to sustain traditional Thai crafts, pioneered forestry and hatchery-projects under the banner “Forest Loves Water”, and supported refugees and minority communities.
While the monarchy typically remains apart from political life, she occasionally stepped into public moments of grievance and national crisis in later decades.
Her passing marks the end of an era for the Thai monarchy.
She is survived by her son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, and daughters Princesses Ubolratana, Sirindhorn and Chulabhorn — and by a legacy of devotion to rural communities, cultural heritage and the environment.
