Thailand mourns former Queen Sirikit

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
25 Oct 2025 10:52

Thailand is mourning the death of former Queen Sirikit, and widow of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who passed away at 93 after years of illness.

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A mourner holds a portrait of Thailand's Queen Mother Sirikit in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday, October 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Thailand is in mourning following the death of former Queen Sirikit, the mother of King Vajiralongkorn and widow of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The Royal Palace confirmed she passed away late Friday at Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok at the age of 93, after years of deteriorating health.

In a statement, the palace said Sirikit had been hospitalized since 2019 for various illnesses, including a blood infection earlier this month. "Her majesty's condition worsened until Friday and she passed away... at Chulalongkorn hospital at age 93," the statement said.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul described her death as "a great loss to the nation," adding that he would postpone his trip to a regional summit in Malaysia.

For many Thais, Queen Sirikit symbolized both grace and maternal devotion. "I had heard that she had been unwell and, given that she was in her 90s, I knew this day would come," 53-year-old Bangkok resident Sasis Putthasit told AFP. "But I didn't expect it to be today. I feel sad because she was a mother figure to the country, and now she's gone."

Grace, Devotion, Legacy

Sirikit, who married King Bhumibol in 1950, was often portrayed as Thailand's national matriarch and a leading style icon. During her 66-year marriage, she was featured in Western magazines and compared to former US first lady Jackie Kennedy, while at home she gained affection for visiting rural communities and supporting social welfare initiatives.

Her popularity cemented her place in the public imagination. "Her passing marks a profoundly significant event for the Thai Royal Family and the entire nation, given her immense popularity and deep connection to the late king who remains deeply revered," Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a former diplomat and scholar of the Thai monarchy, told AFP.

Sirikit withdrew from public life in recent years due to ill health, and coverage of her condition remained limited under Thailand's strict lese majeste laws, which forbid criticism of the royal family. Nonetheless, her birthday continued to be celebrated as Mothers' Day in Thailand, reflecting her enduring symbolic role as the country's maternal figure.

🇹🇭 The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, H.E. Anutin Charnvirakul, will preside over a Cabinet Meeting at 10am to frame the organisation of the Royal Ceremonies & appoint the various committees.

Further announcements regarding National Mourning will be made in due… pic.twitter.com/hsyhSaga0Q
— Imperial Material ♚ (@implmaterial) October 25, 2025

Monarchy, Mourning, Uncertainty

The palace announced that King Vajiralongkorn has instructed members of the royal family to observe a year-long mourning period, while national flags will fly at half-mast for 30 days. News anchors appeared on television Saturday wearing black as part of the official observances.

Sirikit's death also rekindles public reflection on the monarchy's future. While the royal institution remains highly venerated, the succession beyond King Vajiralongkorn remains unclear. He has seven children, though only his 20-year-old son Dipangkorn Rasmijoti is publicly recognized as a potential heir.

In recent years, the monarchy has faced unprecedented calls for reform. The 2020 youth-led demonstrations demanded constitutional changes and greater accountability from the palace, challenges unseen in modern Thai history.

Sirikit's remains will lie in state at Dusit Throne Hall in the Grand Palace, where citizens are expected to pay their respects. "They are watching us from heaven," said Siraphob Sutthisalakorn, a worker at a frozen food company. "They", referring to Queen Sirikit and King Bhumibol, "are two guiding figures Thailand has now lost."