BANGKOK: Thailand on Sunday began a year-long funeral ceremony for former Queen Sirikit, with thousands of royalists gathering to pay their respects as her remains were transported to the Grand Palace in Bangkok, where she will lie in state for one year before cremation.
Queen Sirikit, mother of King Vajiralongkorn and wife of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, passed away on Friday at the age of 93. Her death marks the end of an era for many Thais who revered her as both a style icon and a symbolic mother of the nation.
Across Bangkok, digital billboards now display black-and-white tributes to the former queen, while citizens have been urged to wear dark clothing and avoid public celebrations during the mourning period.
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During her 66-year marriage to King Bhumibol, Sirikit was known for her elegance, philanthropy, and devotion to the Thai people. Western media often compared her to former US First Lady Jackie Kennedy, praising her grace and charm.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul postponed his departure to Malaysia — where he was scheduled to sign a peace deal with Cambodia witnessed by US President Donald Trump — to attend the early mourning ceremonies before resuming his trip.
President Trump expressed condolences to the Thai people, saying on social media: “I send my condolences to the Great People of Thailand.”
Queen Sirikit had been largely absent from public life in recent years due to health issues, including a prolonged hospitalisation since 2019. Despite her retreat from public view, she remained deeply respected, protected under Thailand’s strict lese majeste laws.
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In her prime, the queen was admired internationally — mingling with world leaders and celebrities such as Elvis Presley — while domestically, she dedicated her time to rural development and welfare projects.
Known affectionately as the “Mother of the Nation,” Queen Sirikit’s birthday is celebrated annually as Mother’s Day in Thailand — a reflection of her enduring influence on Thai society.