Thailand Mourns the Loss of Queen Sirikit at 93
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Queen-Sirikit--and-mourners-102825-9e84a09b884f46b4a80d6c0899bde1e7.jpg)
Thailand is in a state of mourning following the passing of Queen Sirikit at the age of 93. The Queen, who was the wife of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the mother of the current King Vajiralongkorn, passed away on October 24 after a period of declining health. Queen Sirikit had withdrawn from public life after suffering a stroke in 2012 and had been hospitalized since 2019. Her recent battle with a blood infection ultimately led to her passing.
Queen Sirikit was a figure of great importance in Thailand, known for her grace and dedication to her country. She was born on August 12, 1932, to Prince Nakkhatra Mangkala Kitiyakara, a member of the Siamese royal family. Her life took a significant turn when she met King Bhumibol in Paris, where her father was serving as Thailand’s ambassador to France. The royal couple tied the knot in 1950, just before King Bhumibol’s coronation, when Queen Sirikit was only 17 years old.
The late King Bhumibol Adulyadej reigned for an impressive 70 years and 126 days, making him the longest-reigning Asian monarch in recorded history. Following Queen Sirikit’s passing, the people of Thailand came together to pay their respects. A procession took place, with mourners lining the streets and gathering around the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The late Queen’s body was transported from the hospital to the palace, with onlookers showing their reverence by bowing as the motorcade passed.
In accordance with Thai customs, a year-long mourning period has been declared in the country. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed government workers to wear mourning attire for the next year, and everyone else is asked to dress in black or muted colors for 90 days. This directive has caused a surge in demand for black fabric, with retailers struggling to keep up. Additionally, flags on government buildings will fly at half-mast for 30 days as a mark of respect.
The passing of Queen Sirikit has also brought attention to the issue of royal succession in Thailand. King Vajiralongkorn, who succeeded his father as King in 2016, has not yet named an heir despite being in his 70s. The situation is further complicated by the illness of his eldest child, Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, who has been in a coma since December 2022. The King’s other children by his second and third wives also come into consideration for the succession.
As Thailand mourns the loss of Queen Sirikit, the country reflects on her legacy and the impact she had during her time as Queen. Her grace, compassion, and dedication to her people will be remembered for years to come. The year-long funeral proceedings serve as a poignant reminder of her significance in Thai society and the respect she garnered from all who knew her.
Through this period of mourning, Thailand stands united in honouring the memory of Queen Sirikit and paying tribute to her remarkable life and contributions to the nation.