The passing of a cherished member of a Royal family at the age of 93 due to a severe blood infection has deeply saddened the nation.
On Friday (October 24), Queen Sirikit, the former Queen of Thailand and mother of the current King Vajiralongkorn, breathed her last. She not only held the title of mother to the reigning king but was also the wife of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand’s longest-serving monarch.
Their enduring marriage of 66 years positioned them as one of the lengthiest-married Royal couples in history, akin to the enduring bond shared by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
The news of her demise has reverberated across the nation, triggering a wave of mourning as the country grapples with the loss of their beloved queen.
In an official statement released by the Thai Royal family, it was confirmed that Queen Sirikit had passed away, leaving the populace in shock given the monarchy’s immense popularity. Portraits of Sirikit grace the walls of homes and public edifices nationwide, reflecting the monarchy’s perceived semi-divine authority.
According to Al Arabiya, the palace revealed that Queen Sirikit had been battling various illnesses since her hospitalization in 2019. A blood infection diagnosed by physicians earlier in the month exacerbated her condition, leading to her passing at the age of 93 at Chulalongkorn Hospital, as reported by the Daily Star.
Queen Sirikit was renowned for her influence on Thai fashion during her six-decade reign as queen, alongside her commitment to charitable endeavors aiding the underprivileged and marginalized.
Drawing comparisons in Western media, she was often likened to former US First Lady Jackie Kennedy and Britain’s Princess Diana for her grace and style.
The citizens of Thailand have been left heartbroken by the news, with many pondering how the nation will navigate the absence of her presence.
Housekeeper Sasis Putthasit expressed that Sirikit’s passing would be a significant moment for the Thai people, remarking on her role as a maternal figure to the country.
Following Queen Sirikit’s demise, King Vajiralongkorn has decreed a year of national mourning for the Royal family.
Television presenters across the nation have been instructed to wear black attire during news broadcasts as a mark of respect for the late monarch.
Queen Sirikit first gained prominence when her husband assumed the throne in 1946, guiding the nation through the aftermath of World War 2.
She remained an active public figure in Thailand until King Bhumib