Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother of Thailand, passed away peacefully at 9:21 p.m. on Friday at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok, the Bureau of the Royal Household announced. She was 93.
According to the royal statement, Her Majesty had been under continuous medical care since 2019 due to several chronic health conditions. Doctors reported that she developed a bloodstream infection on October 17, and despite intensive treatment, her condition worsened before she passed away peacefully.
His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua has declared a one-year mourning period for the Royal Family and Royal Court officials. He has also instructed that Her Majesty’s royal funeral be conducted with the highest honors in accordance with royal tradition. Her remains will be enshrined at Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall in the Grand Palace.
Born in Bangkok on August 12, 1932, as MR Sirikit Kitiyakara, she was the daughter of Prince Nakkhatra Mangala and ML Bua Kitiyakara. She married His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (Rama IX) in 1950 and became Queen on his coronation day. Throughout her life, Queen Sirikit was deeply admired for her dedication to the Thai people, focusing on rural development, women’s empowerment, and the preservation of traditional Thai arts and culture.
Her passing marks the end of an era for Thailand, as the nation mourns a beloved figure whose compassion and service touched generations.