Queen Mother Sirikit—the Mother of the Thai People, The Most Beautiful Queen in the World

(Bangkok, 26th) The Queen Mother of Thailand, Sirikit, was beloved by the people throughout her life and renowned as the “Mother of the Thai People.” Her unique sense of style frequently astonished the international community, earning her the accolade “the most beautiful queen in the world.”
Sirikit was born in Bangkok in 1932, the year Thailand transitioned from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy. She came from a royal aristocratic family—her father was a grandson of King Rama V, Chulalongkorn. As her father was a diplomat, Sirikit spent her childhood accompanying her parents, living successively in the UK, Denmark, France and other countries.
She met and fell in love with Bhumibol Adulyadej while studying in Paris. The two married in 1950, after which she was crowned queen. They had three daughters and one son, their son being the current King Vajiralongkorn.
During Bhumibol’s 70-year reign, Sirikit was often by his side, visiting impoverished regions of Thailand and actively promoting charitable and public welfare activities, winning the hearts of the people. When traveling abroad, she became the center of attention thanks to her exquisite beauty and outstanding fashion sense, leaving a lasting impression on foreign media. The French magazine Paris Match praised her as the “most beautiful queen in the world.”

Sirikit once collaborated with famed French designer Pierre Balmain to create a variety of garments made of Thai silk, furthering the development of the Thai silk industry.
In 1956, during Bhumibol’s brief stint as a Buddhist monk, Sirikit became the “Queen Regent,” temporarily fulfilling the king’s duties and handling all royal affairs. In 1976, to recognize her contributions to cultural heritage and social welfare, the Thai government designated her birthday, August 12, as Mother’s Day, symbolizing her role as Mother of the Nation.
The Thai constitution stipulates that the royal family must remain neutral and avoid political involvement, but members of the royal family, including Sirikit, have at times expressed their views. In 1998, during her birthday address, she called upon the people to support then-Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai, delivering a major blow to opposition parties planning a no-confidence motion.
In 2008, Sirikit attended the funeral of a “yellow shirt” protester, signaling royal support for the People’s Alliance for Democracy, a movement against the Thaksin family.

Former Thai diplomat Pavin told AFP that Sirikit’s passing signifies “the end of an era” and could serve as a turning point for the Thai royal family, prompting reflection on the monarchy’s future role.