The Enduring Legacy of Queen Sirikit of Thailand

Queen Sirikit of Thailand, photographed by Henry Clarke in the King's gold-curtained coronation pavilion. She is wearing a dress of 20-carat gold, embossed with crystal as designed by Pierre Balmain, with gold jewelry set with diamonds at her wrists, neck, and waist. From Vogue's February 1965 issue.

This week, the world lost a remarkable woman: Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother of Thailand, who has passed away at the age of 93. The world’s longest-reigning consort, she was one of the last royal figures of her generation, a generation that devoted a lifetime to service, duty, and love for their country, much like Britain's late Queen Elizabeth II.

Sirikit was born into a distinguished family on August 12, 1932, a transformative time in Thailand’s history as the country transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional system. Her father was a prominent Thai diplomat who exposed her to the cosmopolitan world from a young age. During her formative years, she spent time in several European capitals. It was in Paris, during her father’s term as Thailand’s ambassador to France, that a 15-year-old Sirikit first met the future King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who would become her husband, as well as the world’s third-longest-reigning monarch (Louis XIV of France is the first and Britain's Queen Elizabeth II is the second). They developed a friendship that blossomed into love after the young King was injured in a car accident and Sirikit became a constant companion and caregiver. Marrying in 1950, their partnership would become one of the most enduring royal unions in modern history, defined by devotion both to their country and to each other.

Young King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit on their wedding day, 1950.

Both the King and Queen were devoted to the Thai people and to helping the disadvantaged improve their lives. Sirikit worked tirelessly alongside the King to uplift impoverished rural communities, taking an active interest in development projects and traveling to the most remote parts of the country to better understand the people’s needs. She championed the establishment of resources and opportunities for the poorest of her subjects. Recognizing the importance of preserving traditional Thai craftsmanship, she sponsored programs that revived Thailand’s artisanal heritage, particularly in weaving and silk-making. Her efforts not only safeguarded these distinctive techniques but also turned them into sustainable livelihoods for countless families.

Queen Sirikit at a local engagement in Thailand. Photo: thairath.co.th

In 1960, King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit embarked on a number of diplomatic tours aimed at strengthening Thailand’s relationships with the global community. From visits with Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Juliana of the Netherlands and King Frederix IX and Queen Ingrid of Denmark, to meetings with Dwight D. Eisenhower in the US and Charles de Gaulle in France, Queen Sirikit charmed all with her warmth and grace.

King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit of Thailand with King Frederik IX and Queen Ingrid of Denmark during their 1960 State visit to Copenhagen.

The King and Queen of Thailand during a 1960 visit to Britain. Photo: Evening Standard/CNN

Sirikit’s influence, however, extended beyond diplomacy and philanthropy. She was also a global style icon, and she recognized the value her public profile could bring to the fashion industry in Thailand. To promote Thai silks and artistry internationally, she famously collaborated with the French couturier Pierre Balmain for more than two decades, becoming one of his legendary muses. For her international travels , Balmain created exquisite pieces that blended Western silhouettes with exquisite Thai silks and ornamentation. These looks not only made a lasting impression on the fashion world and in the media but they also helped  position Thailand as a center of cultural sophistication and artistry. With her innate sense of style and deep respect for her culture, Sirikit was recognized as one of the best-dressed women in the world. 

Queen Sirikit in 1960, wearing a silk evening gown by Pierre Balmain with embroidery by Lesage. Photo: Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles.

Another image of the late Queen in an elaborate blue silk and silver lace evening dress in the 1960's.

In a 1980 interview with the BBC, Queen Sirikit reflected on the relationship between the Thai monarchy and the people: “The Kings and Queens of Thailand have always been in close contact with the people, and they usually regard the King and Queen as the father and mother of the nation.” She described their role succintly: “To give, not to take — only to give; to love. So that is the reason my husband and I can work, year after year, day after day.” She truly lived by this principle.

Queen Sirikit as she attends the Lunar New Years festivities in Bangkok, 2012

Queen Sirikit and King Bhumibol had four children, including Thailand’s current King, Rama X, who declared a year of mourning for his mother for members of the Royal Family.

Through years of upheaval and change both in Thailand and around the world, Sirikit remains a symbol of compassion, elegance, and cultural pride. She will be dearly missed!