Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit, known for her elegance and influence on the country’s monarchy, passed away at the age of 93, as confirmed by the Thai Royal Household bureau on Saturday. She had been largely absent from public view since suffering a stroke in 2012.
Sirikit, the wife of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who reigned for 70 years from 1946, was renowned for her philanthropic efforts alongside the king. She captivated both domestic and international audiences with her charity work and impeccable fashion sense, garnering praise from media outlets during their visits abroad.
Born in 1932 during Thailand’s transition to a constitutional monarchy, Sirikit Kitiyakara, daughter of Thailand’s ambassador to France, led a life of privilege. She met King Bhumibol in Paris while pursuing studies in music and language, eventually marrying him in Thailand at the age of 17.
Sirikit played a pivotal role in promoting Thailand’s silk industry by collaborating with renowned French designer Pierre Balmain to create striking outfits using Thai silk. Together with the king, she engaged in numerous development projects for rural communities, broadcasting their activities on national television.
In addition to her philanthropic endeavors, Sirikit briefly served as regent in 1956 when King Bhumibol underwent a period of monkhood training. Her birthday was declared Mother’s Day and a national holiday in Thailand in 1976.
Following King Bhumibol’s passing in 2016, their son King Maha Vajiralongkorn, also known as Rama X, ascended to the throne, and Sirikit assumed the title of Queen Mother upon his coronation in 2019. Although the Thai monarchy traditionally remains apolitical, Sirikit occasionally made politically significant statements, aligning herself with movements such as the People’s Alliance for Democracy.
Queen Mother Sirikit’s legacy will be remembered for her charitable contributions and unwavering maternal image. Her passing will be mourned in Thailand, a country where criticism of the monarchy is restricted by strict laws, including lese-majeste laws, which prohibit insulting members of the royal family, even posthumously.
She is survived by her son, the current king, and three daughters.
