Thailand Mourns Queen Mother Sirikit, Icon of Grace at 93

Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit passed away on October 17, 2023, at the age of 93, as confirmed by the Thai Royal Household Bureau. She had been hospitalized since 2019 due to various health issues and succumbed to a bloodstream infection. Her death marks the end of an era for a figure who significantly influenced both the monarchy and the cultural landscape of Thailand.

The royal household announced a mourning period of one year for family members and household staff. In a show of respect, public offices will fly flags at half-mast for one month, and government officials are expected to adhere to mourning practices throughout the year. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul cancelled his participation in the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur to pay tribute to the Queen Mother, although he plans to return to Malaysia for a scheduled ceasefire agreement with Cambodia.

Legacy of Glamour and Service

Queen Mother Sirikit was married to King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who reigned for 70 years, making him Thailand’s longest-serving monarch. Together, they endeared themselves to the Thai public through extensive charity work and royal duties. Sirikit captivated international audiences with her elegance, particularly during a 1960 visit to the United States, where she was described by Time magazine as “svelte” and “archfeminist,” while L’Aurore of France called her “ravishing.”

Born in 1932, the same year Thailand transitioned to a constitutional monarchy, Sirikit was the daughter of Thailand’s ambassador to France. While studying in Paris, she met Bhumibol, leading to a romance that blossomed into marriage when she was just 17 years old. Their partnership was marked by a commitment to cultural preservation, as Sirikit collaborated with French designer Pierre Balmain to promote Thai silk, revitalizing the local industry.

Championing Development and Maternal Virtue

Throughout her life, Sirikit was a staunch advocate for rural development. For over four decades, she and the king visited remote villages to support initiatives aimed at uplifting the rural poor. Their efforts were frequently broadcasted on Thailand’s Royal Bulletin, enhancing their visibility and impact.

In a notable moment in 1956, she served as regent while her husband undertook a Buddhist monastic retreat. Her birthday, August 12, is celebrated as Mother’s Day and designated a national holiday in Thailand. Following King Bhumibol’s death in 2016, her title evolved to Queen Mother when her son, now King Maha Vajiralongkorn, ascended the throne.

While the Thai monarchy is traditionally seen as politically neutral, there were occasions when Sirikit took a stand on political matters. In 1998, she urged national unity in a birthday address, affecting political dynamics significantly at that time. Additionally, her association with the royalist People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) indicated her influence in political movements, particularly against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Sirikit’s legacy will endure in the hearts of many Thais, who view her as a symbol of maternal virtue and charitable service. The government’s request for the private sector to adjust festive events in light of the mourning period reflects the deep respect held for her memory.

On October 21, mourners dressed in black gathered outside Chulalongkorn Hospital, where she passed away. One Bangkok resident, Maneenat Laowalert, expressed her sorrow, stating, “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 behind a profound legacy that will be honored throughout Thailand during this period of mourning.