Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit has passed away at the age of 93, as confirmed by the Thai Royal Household Bureau on October 21, 2023. Known for her elegance and significant influence in Thai society, Sirikit had been hospitalized since 2019 due to various health issues, including a bloodstream infection that developed on October 17. The announcement of her death has prompted a mourning period of one year for the royal family and the public, with flags at government offices to be flown at half-mast for the next month.
In light of this news, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has canceled his trip to the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur. He plans to travel to Malaysia to sign a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia on Sunday but will return to Thailand immediately afterward to pay his respects.
A Fashion Icon and Philanthropist
Born in 1932, Sirikit Kitiyakara grew up in a privileged environment as the daughter of Thailand’s ambassador to France. She met her future husband, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, while studying music and language in Paris. Their relationship blossomed despite a rocky start, leading to their marriage in 1950 when Sirikit was just 17 years old.
Sirikit became known internationally for her style, collaborating with renowned French couturier Pierre Balmain to create stunning outfits made from Thai silk. Her efforts not only showcased Thai craftsmanship but also played a crucial role in revitalizing the country’s silk industry. During her travels abroad, she captivated global audiences with her grace and fashion sense, earning accolades from various media outlets.
Championing Development and National Identity
For over four decades, Queen Mother Sirikit actively promoted rural development projects aimed at improving the lives of the impoverished in Thailand. Her work was frequently broadcast on national television, making her a familiar figure in homes across the country. She briefly served as regent in 1956 while King Bhumibol studied to become a Buddhist monk.
In addition to her charitable work, Sirikit was influential in Thai cultural identity. Her birthday, August 12, was declared Mother’s Day and became a national holiday, further solidifying her status as a maternal figure in Thai society.
Following the death of King Bhumibol in 2016, her son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, ascended the throne. Sirikit’s title changed to Queen Mother, a role in which she continued to embody the values of dignity and service.
While the Thai monarchy is traditionally non-political, Queen Mother Sirikit occasionally engaged in political discourse. In 1998, she used her birthday address to call for national unity, which had a significant impact on the political climate at the time. She later supported the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), a royalist movement known for its opposition to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
The response to her death has been profound, with many Thais expressing their sorrow and gratitude for her contributions. The government has requested that the private sector adjust festive events to align with the mourning period. In a show of respect, K-pop group Blackpink, which features a Thai member, will continue with scheduled concerts but has requested attendees to wear black and white.
Mourners gathered outside Chulalongkorn Hospital, where she passed away, reflecting the deep affection many held for her. One Bangkok resident, Maneenat Laowalert, shared her feelings: “When I learned the news, my world stopped and I had flashes from the past of all the things that Her Majesty has done for us.”
Queen Mother Sirikit is survived by her son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, and three daughters. Her legacy as a style icon and advocate for social welfare will be remembered by many in Thailand and beyond.
