Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the death of the Queen Mother of Thailand, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. PM Modi spoke about the royal demise during his virtual address at the 22nd ASEAN Summit on 26 October 2025.
Queen Sirikit, widow of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, died in Bangkok on Friday at the age of 93. She was suffering from complications of blood sepsis.
King Bhumibol, who ruled Thailand for seven decades, was the longest-serving head of state in the world. He died in 2016. Their son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, now sits on the throne.
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Expressing condolences on behalf of India, Prime Minister Modi said that the Thai royal family and people have the deepest sympathies with India. He also posted his condolence message on social media.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother of Thailand. Her lifelong dedication to public service will continue to inspire generations. My condolences to His Majesty the King, the Royal Family and the people of Thailand in this hour of deep sorrow,” PM Modi wrote on Twitter (now X).
According to one user who replied to Prime Minister Modi’s tweet, the late Queen Mother Sirikit had her last journey in a silver Volkswagen van that also carried her late husband, King Bhumibol. Her body was taken from Chulalongkorn Hospital to the Grand Palace where she was to lie in state.
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“It’s the way she seemed to champion everyday artisans and uplift rural communities. This quiet support of local heritage feels like a foundation she’s really cemented for modern Thailand,” another user wrote.
Another user called her “a tireless advocate for rural communities, traditional crafts and environmental protection”. “Her legacy of compassion and service will inspire generations to come,” the user added.
“Queen Sirikit’s legacy of compassion, strength and service will forever remain a shining example of leadership rooted in love for her people. May her soul rest in eternal peace and may the Thai people find comfort in the enduring light of her legacy,” came from another user.
Who was Queen Sirikit?
Sirikit Kitiyakara, born 12 August 1932, was the Queen of Thailand. She later became the Queen Mother.
Married to King Bhumibol Adulyadej, she was the world’s longest-serving queen consort, reigning from 1950 to 2016.
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Born into Thai nobility, she met King Bhumibol in Paris and married him shortly before his coronation. The couple had four children, including the current monarch, King Vajiralongkorn.
She was appointed Queen Regent in 1956 and was admired for her charity work and compassion. After suffering a stroke in 2012, her public appearances were limited.
Queen Sirikit died in Bangkok on October 24, 2025. She was 93 years old.
