Thailand Former Queen Sirikit, ‘Mother of the Nation’, Dead at 93

Thailand’s former Queen Sirikit, mother of King Vajiralongkorn and wife of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, passed away on Friday at the age of 93, the royal palace announced.

Deeply cherished by the Thai people, the royal family has long held a sacred place in the country’s cultural and spiritual life, often portrayed as near-divine figures whose portraits grace public buildings and private homes alike.

During her 66-year marriage to King Bhumibol, Queen Sirikit became known both as a style icon and a symbol of motherly grace. Western media once hailed her as one of the world’s most elegant royals, drawing comparisons with former US First Lady Jackie Kennedy. According to the royal statement, “Her Majesty’s condition worsened until Friday and she passed away at 9:21 p.m. at Chulalongkorn Hospital.” The palace also noted that she had suffered from multiple illnesses since 2019, including a recent blood infection.

Also read: Shooting near Harvard University by man on bicycle; suspect search underway, shelter-in-place lifted​

King Vajiralongkorn has declared a year-long period of mourning, with senior members of the royal family overseeing the ceremonies. From early Saturday, Thai television anchors appeared in black attire as the nation collectively entered a period of grief.

‘Mother of the Nation’

Queen Sirikit’s husband, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, ruled Thailand from 1946 until his death in 2016 one of the world’s longest reigns, spanning decades of social and political change. Despite her retreat from public life in recent years due to fragile health and Thailand’s strict lese majeste laws, her influence as a unifying figure remained strong.

In her younger years, Sirikit was admired both at home and abroad. She socialized with world leaders and entertainers such as Elvis Presley, while also traveling extensively across rural Thailand to connect with local communities. Her compassion and advocacy for social welfare earned her the enduring title of “Mother of the Nation.” Her birthday continues to be celebrated nationally as Mother’s Day.

As per palace arrangements, the late Queen’s body will rest in state at the Dusit Thorne Hall within Bangkok’s Grand Palace. Meanwhile, questions surrounding royal succession remain open King Vajiralongkorn, who has seven children, has yet to officially name an heir.