Thailand's Queen Mother Sirikit Dies at 93: A Legacy of Compassion and Service
Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit, known for her royal projects aimed at helping the rural poor, preserving traditional crafts, and protecting the environment, passed away at the age of 93.
Illness and Death
Queen Mother Sirikit died at a hospital in Bangkok after suffering from a blood infection since October 17. Despite medical efforts, her condition did not improve. She had been in declining health and mostly absent from public life in recent years.
Royal Family and Influence
Though often overshadowed by her husband King Bhumibol Adulyadej and her son King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Queen Sirikit was beloved and influential. Her portrait is widely displayed and her birthday is celebrated as Mother’s Day in Thailand.
Early Life and Marriage
Born into a rich aristocratic family in 1932, Sirikit met King Bhumibol in Paris at age 16, marrying him in 1950. Their partnership was marked by devotion to the Thai people and numerous international goodwill missions.
Public Life and Service
The Queen and King devoted their energies to combating rural poverty, opium addiction, and insurgency from the 1970s, traveling extensively to engage with the people and officiate at hundreds of ceremonies annually.
Support for Rural Communities
Queen Sirikit launched SUPPORT in 1976, a foundation to train villagers in traditional crafts. She was known as the ‘Green Queen’ for her environmental projects and efforts to preserve wildlife and forests.
Role and Beliefs about Monarchy
Queen Sirikit viewed the monarchy as a vital institution necessary for Thailand, taking an active role even during times of political turbulence, and believed in the unifying power of the monarchy.
This blog provides a comprehensive overview of the life, contributions, and legacy of Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit, highlighting her dedication to social causes, traditional culture, and the environment, as well as her significant role in the Thai monarchy.