Sirikit, the wife of the country’s longest-reigning monarch and mother of current King Vajiralongkorn, passed away late Friday at the age of 93, according to the palace.
In Thailand, the royal family is revered, seen by many as semi-divine beings, and is lavished with glowing media coverage and images decked with gold that hang in homes and public places all across the country.
Sirikit established a reputation as both a fashionista and the nation’s nurturing grandmother during her 66-year marriage to King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Some Western media even compared her to previous US first lady Jackie Kennedy and featured her on magazine covers.
“I had heard that she had been unwell and, given that she was in her 90s, I knew this day would come,” 53-year-old housekeeper Sasis Putthasit said early Saturday in the capital Bangkok.
“But I didn’t expect it to be today,” Sasis told AFP. “I feel sad because she was a mother figure to the country, and now she’s gone.”
Sirikit had “suffered several illnesses” while hospitalised since 2019, including a blood infection this month, the palace said in a statement.
“Her majesty’s condition worsened until Friday and she passed away… at Chulalongkorn hospital at age 93,” it added.
According to the palace, King Vajiralongkorn has designated royal family members to start a year-long time of mourning.
As a symbol of public sorrow, Thai news anchors began wearing black during the morning show on Saturday.
Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a former Thai diplomat and scholar who specializes in the study of monarchy, told AFP that her death “marks a profoundly significant event for the Thai Royal Family and the entire nation, given her immense popularity and deep connection to the late king who remains deeply revered.”
*
Email *
Website
