Thailand’s former queen Sirikit, known as the Queen Mother, passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on October 24, 2025, at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok, the Thai Royal Household Bureau announced. Her death followed a battle with septicemia that had worsened since mid-October, despite intensive medical care. Queen Sirikit had been under long-term hospital care since 2019 due to multiple health complications requiring ongoing attention.
Born into Thai royalty, Sirikit married King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand’s longest-serving monarch, in 1950. As queen consort, and later queen mother after Bhumibol’s death in 2016, she was deeply beloved and respected in Thailand. Her birthday, August 12, was celebrated nationally as Mother’s Day. Revered for her dedication to social causes, Sirikit championed projects that aided rural communities, preserved Thai handicrafts, and protected natural environments. She also provided support for Cambodian refugees during turbulent times.
Her public role extended beyond charity; during periods of political unrest marked by coups and protests, Sirikit’s influence was discreet but significant. She was known to have taken a stand on key moments, such as attending the funeral of a protester killed during clashes, which many perceived as a gesture of empathy amidst Thailand’s political divisions. Her image remained a fixture across the country, displayed in homes, offices, and public spaces, symbolizing stability and cultural continuity.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn, her son and the reigning monarch, has ordered a royal funeral with the highest honors, following centuries-old royal traditions. The royal remains will be enshrined at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall in Bangkok’s Grand Palace. The palace declared a year-long mourning period starting from her passing, during which members of the royal family and court officials will observe traditional mourning customs.
Experts note that Sirikit’s passing marks the end of an era for Thailand’s monarchy, which has been central to the nation’s identity and socio-political landscape. Her extensive philanthropic legacy and symbolic stature as a unifying figure endure in the collective memory of the Thai people.
For readers, the next steps involve the unfolding of the royal funeral rites, detailed state announcements, and continued reflection on Sirikit’s profound impact on Thailand’s cultural and social fabric. Her death may also prompt renewed discourse on the role and future of the monarchy amid ongoing national and regional challenges.
