BANGKOK – Thailand’s former Queen Sirikit, mother of the current King Maha Vajiralongkorn and wife of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, passed away on Friday at the age of 93, the royal palace announced. Her death marks the end of an era for many Thais, who revered her as the “Mother of the Nation.”
The palace stated that Queen Sirikit, who had been hospitalized since 2019 and recently suffered a blood infection, passed away at Chulalongkorn Hospital. Following her death, the king has ordered a year-long mourning period, and Thai broadcasters appeared in black attire as a public sign of respect.
Read More: Thailand’s Beloved Queen Mother Sirikit Passes Away at 93, Leaving Legacy
Throughout her 66-year marriage to King Bhumibol, Queen Sirikit was admired both as a style icon and a compassionate national figure, earning comparisons to former U.S. First Lady Jackie Kennedy. During her reign, she was often seen visiting rural communities and supporting cultural and social welfare programs.
Messages of condolence have poured in from across the world. Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended their sympathy to the Thai royal family and people, expressing “deep sorrow” over her passing.
President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the revered Queen Mother of Thailand, and conveyed heartfelt condolences to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, the Royal Family, and the people of Thailand.
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) October 25, 2025
Deeply saddened at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the beloved Queen Mother of Thailand. The people and Government of Pakistan join me in extending our deepest condolences to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, the Royal Family, and the people of Thailand. Our…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) October 25, 2025
Queen Sirikit’s body will lie in state at the Grand Palace’s Dusit Thorne Hall in Bangkok. Her passing recalls the national mourning that followed King Bhumibol’s death in 2016, when the entire country observed a year-long tribute to the beloved monarch.