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Thailand Begins Year-Long Funeral Rites for Queen Mother Sirikit

She died Friday in Bangkok at 21:21 after a blood infection following years of declining health.

Overview

  • On Oct 26, her remains were moved from Chulalongkorn Hospital to the Grand Palace’s Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall to lie in state for one year before cremation.
  • King Maha Vajiralongkorn ordered a year-long mourning period for the royal family and court as authorities urged dark dress and curtailed public celebrations, with broadcasters appearing in black and city billboards carrying tributes.
  • The palace said she was 93 and had been hospitalised since 2019 with several illnesses, including a bloodstream infection diagnosed on Oct 17.
  • Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul delayed his departure to Malaysia for an Asean summit to attend early mourning ceremonies before resuming his trip.
  • Revered as the country’s “Mother of the Nation,” Sirikit was noted for charitable rural development and for promoting Thai silk and cultural heritage.