Her Royal Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand ascended peacefully at the age of 93. Her last breath was taken in a Bangkok hospital on Friday evening, closing an important chapter in the history of the Thai monarchy. She had been in and out of the hospital since 2019 with a long list of medical complications. Until recently, it was a blood infection that led to her death. The Thai Royal Household Bureau announced her passing at 21:21 local time, confirming the loss that reverberates through the nation.
Her Majesty Queen Sirikit was born on July 12, 1932. She emerged as Thailand’s most influential figure after marrying King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1950. The couple originally met in Paris when she was just 17. Her father at the time was the Thai ambassador to France. They married on 28 April 1950, just a week before King Bhumibol became king after his brother’s death. Together, they had four children, including Thailand’s current king, Vajiralongkorn.
Queen Sirikit became known outside of her royal role as a style icon and promoter of Thai culture.… She changed the Thai silk industry forever through her visionary concepts. More often than not, she collaborated with iconic French couturier Pierre Balmain to design beautiful looks that celebrated the country’s rich textile tradition. Her iconic style, including a striking collection of pearls, delighted critics and fashionistas alike, winning her respect at home and abroad.
In the past few years, though, Queen Sirikit’s public appearances had all but disappeared after a stroke in 2012. Her last major public appearance was at the funeral of her husband, longtime U.S. There, she mourned the loss of King Bhumibol, who ruled for 70 years before his death in late 2016 at age 88.
In a BBC interview in 1980, she stated:
“Kings and queens of Thailand have always been in close contact with the people and they usually regard the king as the father of the nation. That is why we do not have much private life, because we are considered father and mother of the nation.” – Queen Sirikit
Her commitment to her job as head of state carried over into her philanthropic efforts. She supported numerous charitable initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Thais across various sectors, particularly in education and healthcare.
To celebrate her life and artistic contributions, a community ceremony will take place in 2026. This event will celebrate the first anniversary of her death. For those who loved Queen Sirikit, her loss has been immeasurable. Her commitment and passion for the Thai community will never be forgotten.
Thailand is currently in a period of mourning for this great loss. The beautiful memories of Queen Sirikit survive in the hearts of those she touched, rejoicing in her legacy as a mother, fashion icon, and cultural ambassador. Her influence on Thai society remains undeniable, establishing her as a beloved figure in the nation’s history.
