Mourning Queen Sirikit: Thailand in a year of mourning

Mourning Queen Sirikit: Thailand in a year of mourning

On October 25, 2025, the Thai nation suffered a bitter loss. Queen Sirikit, the mother of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and an iconic figure of the Thai monarchy, has died at Chulalongkorn Hospital at the age of 93. Her death has made waves not only in Thailand but also internationally, and the sadness for her loss is felt everywhere. BBC reports that...

Sirikit was not only an important figure in Thai society, but also a style icon who won the hearts of many people since the 1950s and 60s. Her elegant presence has made her a regular guest on fashion magazines. She was a popular face in Thai culture until her retirement from the public eye after a stroke in 2012. But even after her return to a more private life, she remained a respected and valued figure. Tagesschau highlights that…

A very special farewell

After Sirikit's death, a year-long mourning period was declared and public buildings hoisted mourning flags for 30 days. Citizens were encouraged to dress in black, even news anchors respected this rule and wore black clothing. The urn ceremonies for the late Queen are a key issue and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has convened the Cabinet to discuss the funeral ceremonies. He decided to postpone his departure for the upcoming ASEAN Summit to reflect this significant loss.

Sirikit was known for her tireless commitment, particularly to refugees, the Muslim minority, poor farmers and survivors of the 2004 tsunami. Her birthday on August 12 is celebrated as a national holiday in Thailand and is a testament to the high regard in which she was held. During her active years, she was also a great supporter of the Thai royal family, even after the death of her husband, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in 2016.

A special connection to the monarchy

A particularly moving testimony about Queen Sirikit comes from Geoffrey Jenkins Longfellow, an American citizen who has lived in Thailand for over 30 years. BBC reports that... Longfellow shared an old photo of himself next to the Queen, taken during a visit to the US around 30 years ago. The picture shows him during his time as an honorary doctor of humanities at Johns Hopkins University, where he was asked by the queen about what he was planning to do in Thailand. His response - promoting ties between Thailand and the US - led to a long association with the Thai monarchy.

For Longfellow, the queen was more than just a figure of the monarchy; her concern for the well-being of others, especially those in rural areas, left a lasting impression on him. In recognition of his achievements, he was given a Thai name by the Queen in 2007, which means “someone with a high and stable spirit”. In his stories, Longfellow conveys a picture of the selflessness and devotion that Sirikit always exuded and that shaped his loyalty to the monarchy.

Queen Sirikit will forever be remembered, not only as a monarch, but also as a person who dedicated herself to her people.