Thailand’s Queen Sirikit dies at 93

New Delhi, Oct 25: Thailand’s Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother and widow of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, has died aged 93.

The Royal Household Bureau said she passed away peacefully at a hospital in Bangkok on Friday evening. Queen Sirikit had been receiving treatment for several illnesses since 2019, including a recent blood infection. Her body will lie in state at the Dusit Thorne Hall in Bangkok’s Grand Palace, and members of the royal family will observe a year of mourning.

Married to King Bhumibol in 1950, Queen Sirikit was a prominent public figure for more than six decades and was deeply revered as the “mother of the nation.” Her birthday, August 12, has been celebrated as Thailand’s Mother’s Day since 1976. Known for her grace and diplomacy, she represented Thailand on numerous international visits and was regarded as a key unifying figure in the country’s modern history. Queen Sirikit is survived by her son, King Vajiralongkorn, and three daughters.