Thailand awoke this morning to the deeply saddening news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother who died peacefully on the evening of Friday, 24th October.
The beloved consort of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (Rama IX), Queen Sirikit was 93 years old. Her passing signifies the end of a remarkable era in Thai history, a life devoted to duty, culture, and compassion.
For over seventy years, Queen Sirikit stood by her husband’s side as an embodiment of Thai womanhood, with her beauty and kindness admired worldwide. She was Thailand’s longest-serving royal consort, symbolizing unity, devotion, and quiet strength. Wherever the late King traveled, she was his steadfast companion, sharing a partnership in service and affection.
A Lifetime of Devotion
Born on 12th August 1932 in Bangkok, Queen Sirikit was raised in a prominent family and educated both domestically and internationally. Her birth on a Friday, a day associated with the color blue in Thai culture, is poignantly mirrored by her passing on the same weekday.
Queen Sirikit tirelessly supported King Bhumibol’s numerous development initiatives, visiting rural communities and advocating for education, health, and women’s rights. Her commitment was particularly evident in her efforts to preserve traditional Thai crafts, including Thai silk, which she popularized through the SUPPORT Foundation founded in 1976.
Her exquisite fashion sense, harmonizing royal Thai textiles with Western elegance, won her international admiration and helped to promote Thai silk globally.
Grieving Together
For many Thais, the loss is profoundly personal; she was affectionately known as Mae Luang, the Royal Mother. Tributes have come pouring in from across the nation.
Government offices, schools, and businesses will officially mourn, with plans for several months of wearing black in her honor. Buddhist temples across Thailand are expected to lead special chants and ceremonies.
The government may declare a year-long mourning period, during which time entertainment events will decrease in celebration, reflecting the somber mood.
As the nation enters this period of grief, the business and tourism sectors are adapting their activities to show respect. While corporate events and weddings will still occur, they will do so with subdued celebrations and minimal decorations.
Visitors to Thailand during this time are encouraged to adhere to the local customs of mourning and dress appropriately in public. The nation, though in sorrow, will continue to welcome the world with the same grace and warmth that characterized Queen Sirikit’s life.
