Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit dies at 93 – who was she, her legacy

By Admin

25 Oct, 2025

Thailand is in mourning following the death of Queen Mother Sirikit, the beloved royal matriarch and global style icon who shaped the country’s modern monarchy. The Thai Royal Household Bureau confirmed on Saturday that Sirikit passed away at the age of 93. For over seven decades, she remained one of Thailand’s most admired figures, known for her grace, philanthropy, and influence.

Who Was Queen Mother Sirikit?
Born in 1932 the same year Thailand transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional one Sirikit Kitiyakara was the daughter of Thailand’s ambassador to France. Her early years were marked by privilege and exposure to European culture. While studying music and languages in Paris, she met her future husband, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The two married in 1950 when Sirikit was just 17, beginning one of the longest and most influential royal partnerships in modern history.

As queen consort, Sirikit stood beside King Bhumibol throughout his 70-year reign, playing a vital role in royal duties and humanitarian projects. Her warmth, compassion, and deep involvement in charitable work won her the admiration of millions, both in Thailand and abroad.

A Global Style Icon and Cultural Ambassador
Queen Mother Sirikit captivated the world with her elegance and sophisticated fashion sense. During her 1960 tour of the United States, her grace and charm drew international media attention. Time magazine described her as “svelte” and “archfeminist,” while France’s L’Aurore called her “ravishing.” She worked closely with French designer Pierre Balmain to create regal ensembles using Thai silk, reviving the nation’s traditional weaving craft and promoting Thai culture globally.

Her public image beautifully combined glamour with a sense of purpose. For decades, she joined the king on visits to rural areas, supporting development programs that aimed to improve the livelihoods of the poor. These televised trips highlighted her deep connection with the people, reinforcing her reputation as the “Mother of the Nation.”

Political Influence and Royal Role
While the Thai monarchy traditionally remains above politics, Sirikit’s role occasionally intersected with national affairs. In 1956, she served as regent when King Bhumibol entered a temple for monkhood. Her influence became more visible in later years most notably in 1998, when she publicly supported Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai during political turmoil.

Her sympathy for the royalist People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) during the 2000s placed her at the center of political discourse. Her attendance at the funeral of a PAD protester in 2008 was widely interpreted as a show of royal support for the movement.

Sirikit’s Lasting Legacy
Sirikit’s greatest legacy lies in her humanitarian work and her embodiment of maternal virtue. Her birthday, August 12, was declared Thailand’s official Mother’s Day in 1976 a tribute to her role as a nurturing figure to the nation. She championed projects that preserved Thai culture, empowered women, and uplifted rural communities.

Beyond her philanthropic efforts, Sirikit was an enduring symbol of unity and tradition. Her life bridged eras from pre-war Thailand to the digital age reflecting the evolution of the Thai monarchy through decades of change.

Wealth and Royal Privilege
Although the Thai royal family does not disclose individual wealth, it is known that Queen Mother Sirikit lived a life of great privilege. The monarchy’s collective assets, accumulated over centuries, are valued in the billions. Her son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X), now heads the institution and is considered the world’s richest monarch, with an estimated fortune of $30–$43 billion.

Remembering Queen Mother Sirikit
To the Thai people, Queen Mother Sirikit will forever represent grace, dignity, and devotion. Her death marks the end of an era, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations. In a nation where reverence for the monarchy runs deep, her memory will remain intertwined with Thailand’s identity and cultural pride.

From a young princess in Paris to the queen who helped shape modern Thailand, Sirikit’s journey was one of elegance, compassion, and service a legacy that will shine long beyond her years.