Queen Mother Sirikit of Thailand Passes Away at 93: Legacy and Royal Wealth Revealed
Key Takeaways
- Queen Mother Sirikit died at 93 from bloodstream infection complications
- She was a beloved figure dedicated to cultural preservation and rural development
- The Thai royal family holds estimated wealth of $30-45 billion
- Her legacy includes environmental conservation and traditional craft promotion
Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit, revered for her decades of public service and cultural preservation efforts, has passed away at age 93. The beloved royal died peacefully on October 24, 2025, at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok after battling a bloodstream infection that hospitalized her since October 17.
Her death marks the end of an era for Thailand, coming nearly nine years after her husband King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s passing in October 2016. Queen Sirikit had largely withdrawn from public life in recent years due to declining health.
A Life of Service and Influence
Born Sirikit Kitiyakara on August 12, 1932, in Bangkok, she was the eldest daughter of Prince Chandaburi Suranath and Mom Luang Bua Kitiyakara. Her royal journey began in Paris where she met King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1950. Their courtship, famously marked by the king’s romantic poem “I Dream of You,” led to marriage that same year.
The couple had four children, including the current monarch King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Her birthday was celebrated nationally as Mother’s Day, reflecting her esteemed position in Thai society.
Political Influence and Public Service
During Thailand’s politically turbulent decades, Queen Sirikit’s behind-the-scenes involvement emerged during two military takeovers and repeated street clashes. While the monarchy’s influence faced increasing scrutiny, she remained a stabilizing figure for many Thais.
From the early 1970s, the royal couple focused extensively on domestic challenges including rural poverty, hill-tribe opium addiction, and communist insurgency. Their annual countryside tours became legendary, with people from all walks of life bringing personal issues directly to the queen and her team.
Environmental and Cultural Legacy
Queen Sirikit earned the nickname “Green Queen” for her pioneering environmental work. She established wildlife breeding centers, public “open zoos,” and sea turtle hatcheries to protect endangered species.
In 1976, she founded the SUPPORT Foundation to preserve traditional Thai crafts and create economic opportunities for rural communities. The foundation became instrumental in reviving indigenous arts and providing sustainable livelihoods.
Her dedication extended to aiding Cambodian refugees, preserving Thailand’s forests, and supervising numerous royal development projects focused on rural advancement.
Royal Family Wealth
The Thai monarchy ranks among the world’s wealthiest royal families. Current estimates place King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s assets between $30 billion and $45 billion. His father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, was previously listed by Forbes as the world’s richest monarch in 2011.
Queen Sirikit’s legacy spans cultural preservation, environmental conservation, and decades of dedicated public service that endeared her to the Thai people. Her image remains ubiquitous across homes, workplaces, and public spaces throughout Thailand.
