Thailand Mourns Queen Mother Sirikit, 93

Former Queen Sirikit, Thailand’s “Queen Mother,” died on Oct. 24 at age 93 after years of ill health and a recent bloodstream infection; she was the wife of the late King Bhumibol and mother of current King Vajiralongkorn and was widely celebrated as a unifying national figure, style icon and philanthropist. Her body was taken in a solemn 10-kilometre royal procession from King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital to the Grand Palace — transported in the same silver-grey Volkswagen van used for her late husband — and will lie in state for a year with 100 days of traditional rites before cremation. The government declared a year-long official mourning period with a 90-day public mourning phase and ordered flags at half-mast for 30 days; officials asked citizens and visitors to wear muted colours and tone down celebratory events. Authorities said tourism and most services will remain operational, though some royal sites and ceremonial attractions may be closed or have restricted access during funeral rites. Thousands of mourners lined Bangkok’s streets and regional leaders, including Singapore’s president and India’s prime minister, conveyed condolences as Thai diplomatic and religious observances reflected a wider regional response.