Thailand Begins a Year of Mourning for the Death of Queen Sirikit

Thailand began, today Sunday, October 26, 2025, a full year of official mourning after the death of Queen Sirikit, the mother of the current king Maha Vajiralongkorn, at the age of 93.

The former queen passed away at Chulalongkorn Hospital on Friday, after a long battle with illness.

Queen Sirikit, who was known in her youth as the "Jackie Kennedy of Asia," was a central figure in Thai public life, representing a symbol of elegance and compassion in the eyes of the Thai people, and a beloved mother of the nation.

Throughout her 66 years of marriage to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who ruled Thailand for 70 years, she and her husband formed a strong royal duo that enhanced the royal family's status in the hearts of the people.

Coinciding with the beginning of the mourning year, digital screens have spread across the streets of the capital Bangkok displaying condolences in black, and the public has been invited to wear dark clothing and refrain from holding celebratory gatherings.

The royal family in Thailand is held in great respect, as the king is seen as the father of the nation and a symbol of Buddhist values.

On Sunday, the body of Queen Sirikit was transferred from Chulalongkorn Hospital to the royal palace in Bangkok, where it will be kept in a grand small chapel for a full year, until the cremation ceremony.

This mourning period is witnessing extensive media coverage, praising the queen's journey and her long history of supporting social and charitable causes in the country.

Queen Sirikit, who had been suffering from several illnesses since her hospitalization in 2019, is considered a symbol of resilience and calm in times of challenges.

As the mourning continues in the country, the Thai people continue to honor the cherished memory of the Queen Mother, who left an indelible mark in Thailand's history.