King Bhumibol, Queen Sirikit and 13-year-old Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn walk in their Berkshire residence gardens, July 27, 1966. (AP Photo)

Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit, known for her charitable work, promotion of traditional crafts, and environmental initiatives, passed away on Friday at the age of 93 . She had been hospitalised since Oct 17 due to a blood infection, the Royal Household Bureau said. Her condition did not improve despite medical efforts.

Born Sirikit Kitiyakara on Aug 12, 1932, into an aristocratic Bangkok family with ties to the Chakri dynasty, she grew up during Thailand’s transition from absolute monarchy to a constitutional system. She studied in wartime Bangkok and later in France, where she met Thailand’s newly crowned King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Their frien

See Full Page