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The Associated Press

Queen Mother Sirikit of Thailand Passes Away at 93

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Queen Mother Sirikit, Thailand's monarch who had supervised royal projects to help the rural poor, preserve traditional craft-making, and protect the environment, has passed away at the age of 93. The Queen Mother had been receiving medical treatment for a blood infection at a hospital in Bangkok, but her condition did not improve. Her passing has been met with widespread mourning, with the national flag flying half-staff and civil servants observing a year of mourning.

Key Takeaways:

  • Queen Mother Sirikit was a beloved and influential figure in Thailand, known for her charitable work and her efforts to preserve traditional craft-making and protect the environment.
  • She had supervised various royal development projects across Thailand, including the SUPPORT foundation, which has trained thousands of villagers in crafts such as silk-weaving, jewelry-making, and ceramics.
  • Queen Mother Sirikit was also involved in initiatives to protect endangered species, including the development of wildlife breeding centers and hatcheries for endangered sea turtles.
  • She was an advocate for the role of the monarchy in Thai society, believing that it was a vital institution in the country.
  • Queen Mother Sirikit's husband, King Bhumibol, died in 2016, and she had been chairing key events and official functions in his place.
  • The royal family is observing a year of mourning for Queen Mother Sirikit, with King Maha Vajiralongkorn directing that she be given a funeral with the highest honors.

Statistics:

  • Queen Mother Sirikit was 93 years old at the time of her passing.
  • She had been suffering from a blood infection since October 17.
  • The Queen Mother had a stroke in 2012 and had been largely absent from public life since then.
  • The royal family has instructed that the national flag fly half-staff for 30 days.
  • Civil servants will observe a year-long mourning period for Queen Mother Sirikit.

Sources:

  • BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit, who supervised royal projects to help the rural poor, preserve traditional craft-making and protect the environment, died on Friday.
  • [AP, November 7, 2025] — "Queen Mother Sirikit of Thailand dies at 93".

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