Death of Queen Mother Sirikit: The End of an Era for the Thai Monarchy
Written by the editors of theo-courant.com, your reference guide to Thailand and South-East Asia - based in Bangkok, at the heart of Thai culture.
Queen Mother Sirikit has passed away at the age of 93. A symbol of grace, modernity, and devotion, her death marks a moment of deep mourning for Thailand.
A Modern Queen Who Shaped Thailand’s Image
The Royal Palace announced on Friday, October 24, the death of Her Majesty Queen Mother Sirikit Kitiyakorn, widow of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and mother of the current monarch, King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X).
Born in 1932, Sirikit became one of the most beloved and influential figures in modern Thai history. Nicknamed the “Jackie Kennedy of Asia”, she embodied the elegance and modern spirit of Thailand during the 1960s. Together with her husband, she gave the monarchy a renewed sense of prestige and connection with the people.
Known for her impeccable style and love of jazz, she appeared in major magazines and was seen as the face of a modern, confident Thailand. Even today, her portrait remains omnipresent in homes, shops, and public buildings across the country.
A Nation in Mourning: Royal Funeral and Year of Grief
After suffering a stroke several years ago, the Queen Mother had withdrawn from public life. Following her death, King Vajiralongkorn has declared one year of mourning for the royal family and members of the court.
Her body will lie in state at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall, inside the Grand Palace in Bangkok, where Thais will pay their respects before the royal cremation ceremony.
This echoes the mourning period following the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 2016, when the entire nation observed a year of official mourning, culminating in a magnificent royal cremation at Sanam Luang, in the heart of Bangkok.
A Queen Loved by the Thai People
Beyond her royal duties, Sirikit was seen as a national mother figure. Her birthday, August 12, is celebrated every year as Mother’s Day in Thailand.
Daughter of a diplomat who once served as ambassador to France, she grew up in Europe and met her future husband while he was studying in Switzerland. Throughout her life, she balanced royal tradition with modern sensibility, embodying the ideal of Buddhist compassion and devotion to the nation.
The End of a Chapter for the Thai Monarchy
Sirikit’s death marks the closing of a symbolic chapter in Thai history. Her son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, now 73, leads a monarchy navigating between reverence for its past and the challenges of a changing world.
🕯️ FAQ about Queen Mother Sirikit’s Death
When did Queen Mother Sirikit pass away?
She passed away on October 24, 2025, at the age of 93.
Where will the funeral take place?
Her body will lie in state at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall in the Grand Palace, Bangkok.
How long will the mourning period last?
The King has declared a one-year mourning period for the royal family and members of the court.
What happened during King Bhumibol’s death in 2016?
Thailand also observed a full year of mourning, followed by a spectacular royal cremation ceremony in Bangkok.
Why is Queen Sirikit so important to Thai culture?
She represented the union of tradition and modernity, promoting Thai art, fashion, and compassion as a national virtue.
