The Kingdom of Thailand is in a state of deep mourning following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, at the age of 93. The revered royal figure, who was the wife of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and mother of the current King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X), died late on Friday after a period of prolonged illness.

A Life Dedicated to the Nation
Born Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara on August 12, 1932, she spent her youth travelling internationally, a path that led to her meeting her future husband, King Bhumibol, in Paris. She became Queen Consort in 1950 at the age of 17, beginning a remarkable 66-year partnership alongside Thailand’s longest-reigning monarch.

Queen Sirikit was affectionately known as the “Mother of the Nation.” Her extensive charitable work, especially through the **SUPPORT Foundation**, focused on improving the lives of the rural poor. This foundation played a crucial role in preserving traditional Thai handicrafts, notably the exquisite Thai silk, providing supplementary income and maintaining cultural heritage across the Kingdom. She also championed significant environmental conservation and public health initiatives.

During their state visits abroad, Queen Sirikit gained a reputation as a global style icon, often collaborating with French couturier Pierre Balmain to showcase Thai silk, which brought modern elegance and international recognition to Thai culture and industry.

Her passing marks a profoundly significant moment for the Thai Royal Family and the nation, drawing an outpouring of grief for a Queen Mother whose legacy of compassion, dedication, and grace helped shape Thailand’s modern monarchy. The Royal Household Bureau has announced a period of national mourning.