Bangkok, October 25, 2025: Thailand’s former Queen Sirikit, mother of the reigning monarch King Maha Vajiralongkorn and wife of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, has died at the age of 93, the Royal Palace announced late Friday.
The palace said Sirikit, who had been hospitalised since 2019 due to multiple illnesses, passed away at Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok after suffering a blood infection earlier this month.
“Her Majesty’s condition worsened until Friday and she passed away … at age 93,” the statement said.
King Vajiralongkorn has ordered a year-long mourning period, while Thai broadcasters switched to black attire on Saturday as a mark of respect.
Sirikit was widely regarded as a symbol of grace and compassion, earning the affectionate title “Mother of the Nation.” Married to King Bhumibol for 66 years, she served as queen consort during his seven-decade reign — the longest in Thai history.
Throughout her life, Sirikit was celebrated for her elegant style and charitable work. Western media frequently compared her to Jacqueline Kennedy, and she appeared on international magazine covers in the 1960s.
“I feel sad because she was a mother figure to the country, and now she’s gone,” said Sasis Putthasit, a 53-year-old housekeeper in Bangkok.
The former queen had retreated from public life in recent years as her health declined. Her life and the royal family’s private affairs were shielded under Thailand’s strict lese-majeste laws, which prohibit criticism of the monarchy.
Sirikit’s death marks the end of an era closely tied to King Bhumibol’s reign, during which the royal couple became enduring symbols of unity and national identity. Her birthday, August 12, has long been observed as Thailand’s Mothers’ Day.
“Her passing marks a profoundly significant event for the Thai royal family and the entire nation,” said Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a former Thai diplomat and scholar of the monarchy. “She was immensely popular and deeply connected to the late king, who remains revered.”
The Chakri dynasty, which Sirikit married into, dates back to 1782. While King Vajiralongkorn succeeded his father in 2016, the line of succession remains uncertain, as he has not yet named an heir.
Sirikit’s body will lie in state at the Grand Palace’s Dusit Thorne Hall in Bangkok, where mourners are expected to pay their respects in the coming days.
Pakistan extends condolences
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed “deep sorrow” at the former queen’s passing, offering condolences to King Vajiralongkorn, the royal family, and the Thai people.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also conveyed sympathy, saying:
“The people and government of Pakistan join me in extending our deepest condolences to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, the royal family, and the people of Thailand. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time of national grief.”
