Thai People Mourn Queen Mother; Prime Minister Declares 90 Days of Mourning | WPN World People News

Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit passed away on the evening of October 24 at Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok, aged 93. King Maha Vajiralongkorn has declared a one-year mourning period, with her body transferred to the Grand Palace for royal funeral rites conducted with the highest honors.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul canceled his scheduled attendance at the ASEAN leaders’ summit and convened an emergency cabinet meeting. Following the meeting, the government announced that all government offices, state enterprises, and schools will fly flags at half-mast for 30 days. Public officials are to wear mourning attire for one year, while the general public is advised to wear black or plain-colored clothing for 90 days as a sign of respect. Entertainment events and concerts have been suspended nationwide, and television networks and media outlets have turned their displays to black and white in tribute.

Coincidentally, the K-pop group BLACKPINK is holding three concerts in Bangkok this week. The organizers confirmed that the shows will proceed as scheduled but encouraged fans to dress in black to express condolences.

Queen Mother Sirikit’s health had declined since suffering a stroke in 2012, and she had gradually withdrawn from public life. Since 2019, she had been hospitalized long-term, with occasional updates on her condition from the royal household.

Sirikit was the wife of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX). During the 1960s, the royal couple made numerous international visits, meeting figures such as U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Queen Elizabeth II, and even Elvis Presley. Renowned for her elegant style and refined fashion sense, she was frequently listed among the world’s best-dressed women, serving as a symbol of Thai grace on the global stage.

Throughout her life, Queen Mother Sirikit was deeply devoted to social welfare and rural development, significantly contributing to Thailand’s local economies. Her birthday, August 12, was officially designated as Mother’s Day in Thailand, reflecting the profound affection and respect the Thai people hold for her.