Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit, Royal Style Icon and Influential Figure, Dies at 93

Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit has died. She was 93 years old. The Thai Royal Household bureau announced her passing.

Sirikit was the wife of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. She was a beloved figure and a global fashion icon. Her death marks the end of an era for the nation.

A Life of Grace and Public Service

Queen Mother Sirikit had been out of the public eye since 2012. She suffered a stroke that year. Her health had been frail since then.

She married King Bhumibol in 1950. He was Thailand’s longest-reigning monarch. Sirikit was a constant companion on his travels.

Together, they visited remote Thai villages. They promoted development projects for the rural poor. Their charity work was televised nightly across the country.

An Enduring Legacy of Influence and Culture

Sirikit was known for her impeccable style. She collaborated with French designer Pierre Balmain. Her elegant Thai silk outfits helped revitalize the country’s silk industry.

Her influence occasionally extended into politics. According to Reuters, she attended the funeral of a royalist protestor in 2008. This was seen as a significant political gesture.

She was officially named Queen Mother after her son’s coronation in 2019. King Maha Vajiralongkorn succeeded his father. She is survived by her son and three daughters.

The nation mourns a revered matriarch. Queen Mother Sirikit’s legacy as a style icon and devoted public servant will endure for generations. Her passing closes a pivotal chapter in modern Thai history.

Thought you’d like to know

How old was Queen Mother Sirikit when she died?

Queen Mother Sirikit was 93 years old at the time of her passing. She had been in poor health for several years. Her public appearances ceased after a stroke in 2012.

What was Queen Mother Sirikit known for?

She was renowned for her elegance and fashion sense. She played a key role in reviving Thailand’s traditional silk industry. She was also a dedicated philanthropist alongside her husband.

Who succeeds Queen Mother Sirikit?

She is survived by her four children. Her son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, is the current monarch of Thailand. Her formal title became Queen Mother after his coronation.

How did the public view Queen Mother Sirikit?

She was a deeply beloved figure in Thailand. Her birthday was celebrated as Mother’s Day, a national holiday. She was seen as a symbol of maternal virtue and dedication.

Did Queen Mother Sirikit have any political influence?

On occasion, her actions were interpreted as political statements. Her attendance at a royalist protestor’s funeral in 2008 was one such instance. This implied support for the movement opposing the government at the time.