BANGKOK, 25 October 2025 – Thailand is in mourning following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, who died peacefully on Friday, 24 October 2025, at the age of 93 at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. The Royal Household Bureau confirmed her death in an official announcement released late Friday evening.
Born on 12 August 1932, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit was the beloved wife of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and mother of His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X). Revered across the kingdom, she held the title Queen Mother following her husband’s passing in 2016 and was deeply respected for her lifelong service to the Thai people, particularly in the areas of cultural preservation, rural development, and traditional crafts.
The featured image, taken during a state visit in her younger years, reflects her elegance, diplomatic presence, and early role as Thailand’s cultural ambassador on the world stage.
National Mourning Period Declared
The Thai government has declared a 30-day period of national mourning beginning 25 October 2025, during which all government offices, state enterprises, public institutions, and schools will fly the Thai flag at half-mast. Public events and celebrations may be scaled down or postponed, and citizens are encouraged to dress respectfully in dark or muted colours.
In an official statement, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as Interior Minister, announced that:
- Government officials, civil servants, and state enterprise employees will observe a one-year mourning period starting 25 October.
- The general public is asked to observe 90 days of mourning, also beginning 25 October.
- Those who are able to are encouraged to wear black clothing; others should dress in subdued tones as a sign of respect.
- Concert and event organisers have been requested to cooperate by adjusting programming and maintaining an appropriate tone.
These measures honour the legacy and memory of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, and reflect the deep reverence with which she is held across the Kingdom.
A Life of Dedication and Compassion
Her Majesty was widely admired for her humanitarian work, especially through the SUPPORT Foundation, which she established to promote Thai handicrafts and improve livelihoods in rural areas. Throughout her life, Queen Sirikit played a key role in representing Thailand on the world stage and was instrumental in strengthening cultural diplomacy.
Locals across the country have shared memories of Her Majesty’s visits to provinces over the decades, recalling her warmth, dignity, and enduring connection to the Thai people. From the southern coasts to the remote villages of the North, her compassion and grace left a lasting impression.
