Thailand's former Queen Mother Sirikit dies at 93

Thailand’s most stylish former Queen and mother of current King Vajiralongkorn, Queen Sirikit died at the age of 93 at Bangkok’s hospital on October 24, 2025 at 21:21 local time (14:21 GMT).

“It is a great loss to the nation," said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, adding that he would delay his departure to a weekend summit of Southeast Asian leaders in Malaysia because of Queen Sirikit's demise.

Thailand's Queen Sirikit was the wife of the nation's longest-reigning monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej and was considered as the most stylish lady during her era.

Throughout her marriage to King Bhumibol, Sirikit carved a dual reputation as a fashionista and the nation's caring matriarch — with some Western media featuring her on magazine covers and comparing her to former US first lady Jackie Kennedy.

Thailand’s palace informed that Queen Sirikit had suffered several illnesses while she was hospitalized since 2019, including a blood infection in October 2025.

"Her majesty's condition worsened until Friday October 24,2025 and she passed away... at Chulalongkorn hospital at age 93," confirmed royal palace member in a statement.

53-year-old housekeeper Sasis Putthasit from the royal palace said "I had heard that she had been unwell and given that she was in her 90s, I knew this day would come-but I didn't expect it to be today.”

"I feel sad because she was a mother figure to the country and now she's gone,"Sasis added.

The palace reported that Queen Sirikit’s son King Vajiralongkorn has assigned members of the royal family to begin a year-long mourning period.

Moreover, Thai news anchors were also seen wearing black during broadcasts to represent a sign of public mourning same as they did at the passing away of king Bhumibol Adulyadej.

She was referred to as the "Mother of the Nation," and her birthday was designated as the country's Mother's Day.

Her passing "marks a profoundly significant event for the Thai Royal Family and the entire nation, given her immense popularity and deep connection to the late king who remains deeply revered," said former Thai diplomat, Pavin Chachavalpongpun.

The royal family is venerated in Thailand, treated by many as semi-divine figures, and lavished with glowing media coverage and gold-adorned portraits hanging in public spaces and private homes nationwide.

World War II marked both the beginning and end of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's extensive reign, which lasted from 1946 to 2016, according to AFP.

Though Bhumibol's son King Vajiralongkorn inherited the throne about 9 years ago, many still revere him as the nation's most steadfast figurehead and Sirikit as his constant companion.

Former Queen Sirikit's body will lie in state at the Grand Palace's Dusit Thorne Hall in the capital Bangkok, according to the palace sources.