BANGKOK, Thailand — With profound sorrow, the Kingdom of Thailand mourns the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, who died peacefully on October 24, 2025, at the age of 93. A revered figure in Thai history and the longest-serving queen consort in the world, Queen Sirikit’s life was one of grace, devotion, and enduring service to her nation and people.
Born Mom Rajwongse Sirikit Kitiyakara on August 12, 1932, in Bangkok—then the Kingdom of Siam—she was the third child and eldest daughter of Prince Nakkhatra Mangala Kitiyakara and Mom Luang Bua Snidvongs. Her lineage traced back to King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), one of Thailand’s most beloved monarchs.
Sirikit’s early years were marked by education abroad as her father served in the Thai diplomatic corps. She studied in London, Denmark, and France, becoming fluent in several languages and gaining a deep appreciation for world culture.
It was during her time in Paris that she met her distant cousin, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, then a student in Switzerland. Their shared values and affection grew over time, and following King Bhumibol’s car accident in 1948, Sirikit frequently visited him during his recovery. With the blessing of the royal family, the couple became engaged in 1949 and married on April 28, 1950—just one week before his coronation as King Rama IX.
Together, they became the heart of modern Thailand, raising four children: Princess Ubol Ratana, King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X), Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, and Princess Chulabhorn.
In 1956, when King Bhumibol entered a brief period of monastic life, Queen Sirikit was appointed Queen Regent, only the second woman in Thai history to hold the title. She carried out her duties with poise and strength, earning the deep respect and affection of the Thai people.
Throughout her life, Queen Sirikit worked tirelessly to promote Thai arts, culture, and social welfare. She was widely seen as “The Mother of the Nation,” championing rural development, traditional crafts, and education, particularly for women and children. Her birthday, August 12, has long been celebrated as Mother’s Day in Thailand—a reflection of her lasting influence and the love she inspired across generations.
Internationally, Queen Sirikit was admired for her elegance and diplomacy. She traveled extensively with King Bhumibol, meeting global leaders such as U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Queen Elizabeth II, and was frequently listed among the world’s best-dressed women during the 1960s.
Her later years were marked by declining health following a stroke in 2012. After the passing of King Bhumibol in 2016, she was revered as The Queen Mother, a symbol of continuity and national unity.
The Royal Household Bureau announced that the nation will observe one year of official mourning. Before her royal cremation, Her Majesty’s body will lie in state at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall in Bangkok’s Grand Palace, allowing citizens to pay their respects.
Queen Sirikit leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and grace. Her life was inseparable from the modern history of Thailand, her influence enduring far beyond the walls of the palace.
Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother of Thailand
12 August 1932 – 24 October 2025
May Her Majesty rest in eternal peace.