Thailand is mourning the death of Queen Mother Sirikit, who passed away on 24 October 2025 at the age of 93, the Thai Royal Household Bureau confirmed. She had largely stayed away from public life after suffering a stroke in 2012.
Queen Mother Sirikit was a royal icon whose grace, philanthropy, and influence helped shape modern Thailand and strengthen the monarchy’s global image.
Who Was Queen Mother Sirikit of Thailand?
Born in 1932, Sirikit Kitiyakara was the daughter of Thailand’s ambassador to France. She studied music and languages in Paris and grew up in privilege. In Paris, she met her future husband, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who had spent part of his childhood in Switzerland. “It was hate at first sight, then it was love,” she said in a BBC documentary. The couple married in 1950 when Sirikit was just 17.
Queen Mother Sirikit’s Net Worth
The Thai royal family does not publicly disclose personal wealth. Sirikit lived in considerable privilege with access to royal estates and state resources. Estimates suggest Thailand’s monarchy collectively holds billions of dollars.
It is worth noting that King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand, with an estimated fortune of $30–$43 billion derived from the Crown Property Bureau, is the richest royal in the world.
Queen Mother Sirikit Husband
Sirikit married King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand’s longest-reigning monarch. She served as queen consort for 70 years, participating in charitable activities and official duties. Her support helped Bhumibol maintain strong public affection and trust in the monarchy.
Children of Queen Mother Sirikit
Sirikit and King Bhumibol had four children:
- King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) – current king of Thailand
- Princess Ubolratana
- Princess Sirindhorn
- Princess Chulabhorn
Queen Mother Sirikit: Successor
Her son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X), succeeded King Bhumibol and currently leads the Thai monarchy.
Who Is the Current Queen of Thailand?
The current queen of Thailand is Queen Suthida, who married King Maha Vajiralongkorn in 2019. She serves as the queen consort and represents the royal family in official duties alongside the king.
Where Is Queen Suthida Now?
Queen Suthida remains actively involved in royal duties, attending public ceremonies and state events with King Maha Vajiralongkorn. She also participates in social and cultural initiatives supported by the monarchy.
Queen Mother Sirikit: Role in Politics
While the Thai monarchy remains officially apolitical, Sirikit occasionally exercised influence. In 1956, she served as regent while the king pursued Buddhist studies.
In 1998, she urged citizens to support Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai, affecting political outcomes. She also supported the royalist People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), attending protester funerals in 2008, signalling royal approval.
Queen Mother Sirikit: Legacy & Cultural Contributions
Sirikit promoted Thai culture, especially traditional silk weaving. She partnered with French designer Pierre Balmain, using Thai silk for international fashion and revitalizing local crafts. Her birthday, 12 August, became Thailand’s official Mother’s Day in 1976. She also championed rural development, visiting villages with the king for decades.
Queen Mother Sirikit: Death and Public Mourning
Queen Mother Sirikit passed away on 24 October 2025, marking the end of an era. Citizens and global observers honour her as a symbol of grace, compassion, and maternal virtue. Her death will be remembered with reverence in Thailand, a country where strict laws protect the monarchy.
A Global Cultural Ambassador
Beyond royal duties, Sirikit acted as a cultural ambassador, promoting Thai traditions, fashion, and rural welfare worldwide. Her influence extended from local communities to international diplomacy, leaving a legacy that goes beyond ceremonial roles.
Remembering Queen Mother Sirikit
For many Thais, Sirikit will be remembered as a symbol of grace, compassion, and national pride. From a young princess in Paris to a queen who shaped modern Thailand, her life spanned decades of social, cultural, and political change.
Her legacy combines royal dignity, charitable influence, and cultural preservation, ensuring she will remain a defining figure in Thailand’s history.
