A Life of Grace: Remembering Thailand's Queen Mother Sirikit

A Nation in Mourning

Queen Mother Sirikit, a symbol of grace and influence in Thailand, has passed away at the age of 93. Her health had been deteriorating since a stroke in 2012, and she had been hospitalized since 2019. The nation is now observing a year of mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and public offices closed.

A Style Icon and Trendsetter

Sirikit was more than just a royal figure; she was a fashion icon who captivated the world. Her fashion sense, often featuring Thai silk designs, made her a trendsetter. She collaborated with French designer Pierre Balmain, helping to revive Thailand's silk industry. Her elegance was noted by international media, with Time magazine calling her "svelte" and "archfeminist" during a 1960 U.S. visit.

A Love Story and Charitable Work

Born in 1932, Sirikit met her future husband, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in Paris. Their love story began with a rocky start, but they eventually married in 1950. Together, they traveled extensively, promoting development projects in remote villages. Their charitable work won them many hearts.

Influence Beyond Fashion and Charity

Sirikit's influence extended beyond fashion and charity. She occasionally stepped into politics, supporting certain governments and movements. In 1998, she used her birthday address to urge national unity behind then-Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai. She also became associated with the royalist People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), which played a role in ousting a pro-Thaksin government.

A Legacy of Maternal Virtue

Despite the monarchy's official stance above politics, Sirikit's actions sometimes blurred that line. Her death has sparked a wave of mourning, with mourners gathering in black outside Chulalongkorn Hospital. The government has requested private sector adjustments to festive events, and even K-pop group Blackpink's concerts will observe the mourning period with concertgoers dressing in black and white.

Sirikit leaves behind a legacy of charitable work and maternal virtue. Her death is treated with reverence in Thailand, where lese-majeste laws strictly enforce respect for the royal family. She is survived by her son, the current king, and three daughters.