Thailand’s former Queen Sirikit, known for her efforts to support the poor, preserve traditional crafts, and oversee environmental conservation projects, passed away on Friday at the age of 93.
The Royal Household Bureau confirmed that she died at a hospital in Bangkok. She had been suffering from a blood infection since October 17, and despite the efforts of medical teams, her condition did not improve. Due to health issues, she had largely stayed away from public life in recent years. Her husband, former King Bhumibol Adulyadej, passed away in October 2016.
On the occasion of her 88th birthday, palace-released photographs showed her son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, and other members of the royal family visiting her at Chulalongkorn Hospital.
Despite living in the shadow of her late husband and son, Queen Sirikit was beloved and influential in her own right. Her images were displayed widely across homes, offices, and public spaces throughout Thailand. Her birthday on August 12 was celebrated as Mother’s Day, and her activities ranged from helping Cambodian refugees to protecting parts of the country’s green forests from destruction.
However, during Thailand’s recent decade of political turmoil, scrutiny over the monarchy’s role increased, and Queen Sirikit’s influence came under discussion. During two military coups and multiple phases of bloody street protests, her behind-the-scenes influence was debated. When she attended the funeral of a protester killed in clashes with police, many interpreted her presence as a sign of alignment in the country’s political divisions.
Queen Sirikit Kitiyakara was born on August 12, 1932, in a wealthy and noble family in Bangkok, the same year Thailand transitioned from absolute monarchy to a constitutional system. Both her parents were connected to previous kings of the current Chakri dynasty.
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