The news hit Bangkok like a physical weight on October 24, 2025. Honestly, even though she had been out of the public eye for years, the official word from the Bureau of the Royal Household felt surreal. Thailand's former Queen Sirikit dead at 93: palace spokespeople confirmed she passed away peacefully at 9:21 p.m. at Chulalongkorn Hospital.
She was more than a royal. To many, she was the "Mother of the Nation."
For anyone following Thai history, this marks the end of a massive era. She was the widow of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the man who reigned for seven decades. Together, they were the face of Thailand. Now, both are gone.
The Final Days at Chulalongkorn Hospital
The Palace didn't sugarcoat the medical details. Her Majesty had been under close watch by a team of specialist physicians for quite a while. Specifically, she had been admitted to King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital since September 7, 2019. That's a long time.
Basically, her health had been fragile for over a decade, especially after she suffered an ischemic stroke back in 2012.
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The situation turned critical in mid-October 2025. On October 17, she developed sepsis—a nasty bloodstream infection. Despite the doctors doing everything humanly possible, her body just couldn't fight it off anymore. She was 93. It’s a legendary age, but it doesn't make the loss any easier for the millions who grew up with her portrait in their living rooms.
Why Thailand's Former Queen Sirikit Dead at 93: Palace News Still Matters
You might wonder why a 93-year-old passing makes the world stop in Southeast Asia.
It’s about the legacy. Queen Sirikit wasn't just a figurehead wearing a crown; she was a workhorse. She spent decades trekking through muddy rural villages. She didn't mind getting her hands dirty.
Her biggest "win" was likely the SUPPORT Foundation. In the 70s, she realized that farmers couldn't survive on crops alone during the off-season. So, she encouraged them to weave silk and make traditional crafts. It sounds simple, but it saved countless families from absolute poverty. It also single-handedly kept Thai silk from becoming a dead art form.
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She was also a massive fashion icon. In the 1960s, she worked with French designer Pierre Balmain to create a "national dress" for Thai women. Before that, there wasn't really a standardized formal outfit. She basically invented the modern Thai look that you see at weddings and official ceremonies today.
A Nation in Mourning
King Maha Vajiralongkorn, her son, has ordered a one-year mourning period. That’s standard for high-ranking royals in Thailand. You'll see civil servants in black and white for months.
Her body is currently lying in state at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall. This is inside the Grand Palace in Bangkok. If you've ever been there, you know how grand that place is.
Public reaction has been pretty emotional. One 53-year-old housekeeper, Sasis Putthasit, told reporters that while she knew the day would come, she still felt like she’d lost a mother. That’s a common sentiment. In Thailand, the Queen’s birthday is actually celebrated as Mother’s Day.
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What Happens Now?
The transition of the "Queen Mother" title is a heavy one. While she had retired from public duties, her presence was a stabilizing force.
For travelers or people living in Thailand, here is what the next few months look like:
- Government buildings will fly flags at half-staff.
- Entertainment might be toned down during specific high-mourning days.
- Black and white clothing will be the norm for officials.
It’s a somber time, but also a time for reflection on 70 years of service. She lived through world wars, dozens of coups, and the total transformation of Thailand from an agrarian society to a global hub.
If you are currently in Thailand or planning to visit, it is helpful to remain respectful of the mourning period. Avoid overly boisterous behavior near royal sites and consider wearing neutral colors if you are visiting government offices or the Grand Palace area. The formal cremation ceremony will likely take place much later, after months of preparation, following the tradition of previous Thai monarchs.