BANGKOK — Thailand’s beloved Queen Mother was laid to rest in the Grand Palace on Saturday evening, as thousands of mourners lined Bangkok’s streets to pay their final respects to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, who died on October 24 at age 93.
The solemn funeral procession departed King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital at 4:26 p.m., making its way through the heart of the capital as grieving citizens dressed in black bowed their heads along the route. The procession traveled along Henri Dunant Road, Phaya Thai Road, and Sri Ayutthaya Road, passing Chalerm Phrakiat Park and the Marble Temple before arriving at the Grand Palace.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida personally accompanied the coffin from the hospital, joined by Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, and Chao Khun Phra Sineenat Bilaskalayani. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, and other members of the royal family received them at the hospital’s 29th-floor reception room.
The royal procession used the same silver Volkswagen Caravelle V6 van with blue stripes that carried King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) during his procession in 2016, linking the final journeys of Thailand’s longest-reigning monarch and his queen consort.
Lying in State Under Nine-Tiered Umbrella
At Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall, the coffin was placed behind a pedestal displaying the royal urn beneath the Great Golden Urn (Phra Kot Thong Yai), covered by a nine-tiered white umbrella—the highest symbol of royal status in Thai tradition.
The Bureau of the Royal Household announced that King Vajiralongkorn has granted the public access to pay their respects in two phases.
Starting Monday, October 27, citizens may view the Queen Mother’s portrait and sign a condolence book at Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
After the completion of 15-day merit-making ceremonies, the public will be permitted to pay respects before the royal urn at Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall starting November 9, with extended hours from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily.
Royal Cremation Expected Next Year
The Fine Arts Department will construct a Royal Crematorium at Sanam Luang following ancient royal traditions, with the cremation ceremony expected to take place in 2026. Following the 100-day merit-making period, government officials, organizations, and the public will be permitted to sponsor Abhidhamma chanting ceremonies.
Police Issue Mourning Guidelines
The Royal Thai Police has asked citizens and visitors to dress respectfully in black, white, or dark colors, maintain solemn behavior, and avoid loud celebrations during the mourning period. Officers will be stationed at key areas, and security screenings will be conducted at Grand Palace checkpoints.
“The Royal Thai Police extends its appreciation to the Thai people and international community for their cooperation, understanding, and heartfelt condolences during this period of national mourning,” the force said in a statement.
Queen Sirikit served as Queen Consort alongside King Bhumibol Adulyadej for 69 years until his death in 2016. She passed away at 9:21 PM on October 24, 2025, at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.
