She has been described as a figure that helped bring elegance to the Thai monarchy.
In a statement on Saturday, October 25, the Thai Royal Household Bureau announced that Queen Mother Sirikit, the parent of reigning King Maha Vajiralongkorn and wife of the late King Bhumibol Abdulyalej, has passed away at the age of 93.
According to reports, the royal figure has been battling health problems over the years, including a stroke in 2012 and hospitalization since 2019, before developing a bloodstream infection a week before her passing.
Following her death, Thai government has been instructed to mourn for a period of one year and put the flags at half-mast.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who was supposed to be in Malaysia for the duration of the 47th ASEAN summit, has since canceled much of his appearances.
However, he still went to Kuala Lumpur to sign an important ceasefire agreement with neighboring country Cambodia, shortly before returning to Thailand on Sunday, October 26.
On the same day, remains was transferred in a procession from the Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok to the throne hall inside the Grand Palace on Sunday afternoon, where they will be enshrined.
For 15 days, King Maha Vajiralongkorn will perform royal funeral rites, eventually opening the gates to the public to pay their last respects to the late Queen Mother on November 9.
Meanwhile, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has converyed his message of sympathies on behalf of thr country over the passing of Queen Mother Sirikit of Thailand,
“With heartfelt sadness, we mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand. Her kindness, grace, and warmth touched so many lives, including ours,” the President said in a statement.
He addd, “May her soul find eternal peace, and may her legacy of love continue to inspire us.”
Marcos also expressed, “During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family and the Thai people.”