On 24 October 2025, the Kingdom of Thailand entered into an extended period of mourning following the passing of Queen Sirikit (Queen Mother Sirikit), aged 93.
The official announcement by the Bureau of the Royal Household stated that she died at 9:21 p.m. at the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok after contracting sepsis (a serious bloodstream infection).
A Royal Farewell of Unusual Length
Rather than a short official ceremony, Thailand has initiated what is described as a “year-long funeral”.
In practical terms, the queen’s remains will lie in state at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall inside the Grand Palace in Bangkok for the full twelve-month mourning period before final cremation.
The decision reflects the immense reverence in which she was held: as a mother figure to the nation, consort to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and mother of the current monarch, King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
The body was transported in a solemn procession on 26 October from the hospital to the Grand Palace, observed by thousands of mourners, many lining the route, dressed in dark clothes, holding portraits and offering respect.
The public display of national grief underscores the monarch’s symbolic meaning to the country and its traditions.
National Mourning and Protocol
As part of the funeral arrangements, the government issued formal mourning directives, as stated by Khaosod English.
For example, the national flag is to be flown at half-mast for 30 days starting from 25 October, and civil servants and employees of state enterprises are asked to observe the one-year mourning period from the date of her passing.
In addition, members of the Royal Household and officials will also have to follow full royal protocols during this time.
The public has been requested to dress respectfully—preferably in black or dark colors—and to refrain from loud, celebratory events during at least the early part of the period.
For example, concerts and entertainment venues are asked to tone down their activities as a mark of respect.
The Significance of the Long Funeral
The decision to have the queen’s remains lie in state for a year before her cremation is rooted in Thai royal tradition.
By resting at the Dusit Maha Prasat Hall, she is placed in the heart of the monarchy’s central ceremonial space, giving citizens and officials alike the opportunity to pay respects over months.
Such a prolonged period also allows for the construction of the royal crematorium at a later date, in accordance with historic custom.
The period offers time for merit-making, ritual chanting, and official memorial ceremonies that span across provinces and generations. It is both a gesture of honor and a cultural means of integrating her life and legacy into the national story.
Legacy and Public Response
Queen Sirikit was widely seen as a unifying figure: well known for her support of traditional crafts, rural development initiatives, and her role as the nation’s “mother” symbol when her birthday, 12 August, was declared National Mother’s Day in Thailand.
Her passing has triggered a wave of public mourning, with thousands gathering outside hospitals, temples and the palace grounds to pay tribute according to Thai Examiner.
The royal funeral and associated protocols reflect how the monarchy remains deeply embedded in Thai public life, with state institutions, media and individuals all participating in the mourning.
At the same time, the process allows the nation to reflect on her long service and role in modern Thai society.
