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In Remembrance of
HM Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother
British Concordance International School (BCIS) joins the nation in mourning the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, who devoted her life to the Thai people through her compassion, cultural leadership, and charitable works.
Life
Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother was born on August 12, 1932, in Bangkok, the daughter of Prince Chandaburi Suranath (Mom Chao Nakkhatra Mangkala Kitiyakara) and Mom Luang Bua Kitiyakara, both of whom served in Thailand’s diplomatic corps.
Her early years were marked by an education that reflected both Thai traditions and international values, shaped by her family’s service abroad.
She married His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (Rama IX) on April 28, 1950, shortly before His Majesty’s coronation. Their marriage was a lifelong partnership devoted to serving the Thai nation and people.
They had four children:
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Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi
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His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua (Rama X)
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Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
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Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana
Her Majesty was known for her grace, dignity, intelligence, and steadfast support of His Majesty King Bhumibol in all royal duties and national development work.
Royal Duties and Contributions
Her Majesty devoted her life to enhancing the quality of life of the Thai people through leadership in education, healthcare, rural development, and social welfare. She founded and supported numerous initiatives that empowered women, strengthened families, and preserved traditional ways of life.
A true patron of the arts, she played a transformative role in reviving and promoting the Thai silk industry and traditional handwoven textiles, working closely with village artisans to improve design, production, and marketing so that Thai craftsmanship could thrive both locally and internationally.
Her Majesty also made an enduring mark on fashion, blending traditional Thai elegance with modern style. She collaborated with renowned designers, including Pierre Balmain, to create outfits that showcased Thai fabrics on the world stage, helping Thai silk become a global symbol of national pride.
As Patron of the Thai Red Cross Society, she was deeply involved in humanitarian and medical programs, benefiting those in need throughout the kingdom. Her vision of sustainable development, rooted in compassion and community, continues to guide many of Thailand’s social projects today.
Key Areas of Her Work
Cultural Preservation
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Revived and promoted the Thai silk industry and traditional craftsmanship
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Supported the preservation of Thai arts, music, and dance
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Influenced fashion by blending traditional Thai elegance with modern design, collaborating with international designers, and elevating Thai silk globally
Community and Rural Development
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Initiated rural development projects to improve livelihoods and self-sufficiency
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Advocated for education and opportunities for children and youth, especially in remote areas
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Supported healthcare and welfare programs for mothers, children, and underprivileged groups
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Promoted environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture
Philanthropy and Social Initiatives
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Founded and patronised numerous charitable foundations for social development
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Served as Patron of the Thai Red Cross Society, advancing humanitarian and medical programs nationwide
Her Majesty’s efforts were guided by compassion, vision, and a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of all Thais.
Legacy
Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother was deeply loved and revered for her wisdom, generosity, and lifelong dedication to her people.
She passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025, at the age of 93, at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.
Her Majesty’s enduring legacy lives on through her countless contributions to Thailand’s cultural preservation, arts, fashion, and social development.
The BCIS community joins the people of Thailand in heartfelt remembrance of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. She will forever be remembered as a symbol of grace, wisdom, and compassion, whose devotion to her country continues to inspire generations in Thailand and around the world.