Thailand Mourns Queen Mother Sirikit, Icon of Elegance and Charity

Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit has passed away at the age of 93, as announced by the Thai Royal Household Bureau on Saturday. Sirikit, who significantly influenced the monarchy’s image and participated in social and political issues, died late on Friday following a prolonged illness. She had been hospitalized since 2019 and suffered a bloodstream infection on October 17.

In response to her death, a mourning period of one year has been declared for the royal family and household. The Thai government will observe a month-long period of mourning, during which public offices will display flags at half-mast. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has canceled his trip to the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, prioritizing domestic matters following the Queen Mother’s passing.

A Life of Glamour and Service

Queen Mother Sirikit was married to King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand’s longest-serving monarch, who reigned for 70 years from 1946 until his death in 2016. Together, they captured the hearts of the Thai people through extensive charitable endeavors and public appearances. Sirikit’s style and grace made her a global figure, with media outlets praising her allure during state visits, including a notable trip to the United States in 1960.

Born in 1932, Sirikit was the daughter of Thailand’s ambassador to France. During her studies in Paris, she met Bhumibol, leading to a whirlwind romance that began with “hate at first sight” before blossoming into a deep love. The couple married in 1950 when she was just 17 years old.

Sirikit’s fashion sense was notable; she worked with renowned French designer Pierre Balmain to create stunning outfits made from Thai silk. Her efforts to promote traditional weaving practices revitalized Thailand’s silk industry, making her a vital figure in both fashion and cultural preservation.

Championing Development and Royal Influence

Throughout her life, Sirikit dedicated herself to rural development in Thailand. She frequently accompanied King Bhumibol on visits to remote villages, advocating for projects aimed at improving the lives of the rural poor. Their work was showcased on the Royal Bulletin, bringing attention to their charitable initiatives.

In 1956, she briefly served as regent while her husband undertook a Buddhist monk training. Her birthday, August 12, was designated as Mother’s Day in Thailand in 1976, further solidifying her role in the nation’s cultural landscape. Following the King’s death, Sirikit was formally recognized as the Queen Mother when her son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X), ascended the throne in 2019.

While the Thai monarchy typically maintains a non-political stance, Sirikit occasionally engaged in political matters. Notably, in 1998, she urged citizens to support then-Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai, which influenced political dynamics at the time. Additionally, she was linked to the royalist People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), a movement that played a role in the ousting of governments associated with populist leader Thaksin Shinawatra.

Her passing is a poignant moment for many Thais, who will remember her as a symbol of maternal virtue and philanthropy. The government has requested that the private sector adjust festive events to observe the mourning period. Notably, the K-pop group Blackpink, which features a Thai member, will proceed with scheduled concerts this weekend, with organizers encouraging attendees to wear black and white as a sign of respect.

Mourners gathered outside Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok, where Sirikit died, expressing their sorrow and gratitude for her contributions to the nation. One mourner, Maneenat Laowalert, 67, shared, “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, the king, and three daughters, leaving a legacy marked by elegance, compassion, and a commitment to the Thai people.