Nine Stories of “Mother” that Many People May Not Know

As a tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, who will remain in the hearts of the people forever, the Public Relations Section, Royal Thai Volunteer Service Center, would like to present nine stories of the late Queen Mother that many people may not know, as follows:

1. Auspicious Name

The name “Sirikit” was bestowed by Queen Rambhai Barni, the Queen of King Prajadhipok (Rama VII), meaning the “Splendor of the Kitiyakara Family.” She was informally called “Khunying Siri,” while her husband, King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, called her “Mae Siri” (“Mother Siri”).

2. Prophecy of an Indian Cattleman

Thanpuying Kenlong Snidvongs Na Ayudhya mentioned the prediction made by an Indian cattleman saying that Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara would become a great queen in the future. Mom Rajawongse Sirikit jokingly told this story to her friends. She was two years old when the prediction was made, before it came true 15 years later.

3. Origin of Her Majesty the Queen Mother’s Aesthetic Style 

Mom Rajawongse Sirikit pursued her studies at the Pensionnat Riante Rive Boarding School in Lausanne, Switzerland. She took special lessons for ladies, especially in such fields as languages, art, and music. That was the starting point of her interest in art and culture.

4. “Hate at First Sight” before Turning into Eternal Love

Her Majesty Queen Sirikit once said in an interview with the BBC that King Bhumibol Adulyadej was three hours late to their first meeting. It was "hate at first sight," instead of “love at first sight," because she was kept waiting. When King Bhumibol had a serious car accident later and was hospitalized, he thought of Mom Rajawongse Sirikit, who was asked to help take care of him. From that moment, their courtship began.

5. The Queen Appointed as Regent

In 1956 King Bhumibol temporarily entered the monkhood in accordance with the ancient royal tradition. He appointed Her Majesty Queen Sirikit as Regent, handling the affairs of state on his behalf. Her Majesty was the second Queen in Thai history to have been appointed Regent, after Queen Sri Bajrindra (Saovabha Phongsri) had been appointed during King Chulalongkorn (Rama V)’s visit to Europe.

6. The Queen Mother, a Fashionista Ahead of the Times

Realizing that her attire would be comparable to the “symbol of Thailand,” Her Majesty Queen Sirikit intended to introduce the formal national costume for Thai ladies, so that it would be recognized internationally. A U.S. fashion magazine cited Her Majesty as one of the 12 most beautifully dressed women in the world. 

7. Pioneer of Thailand’s Soft Power

The famous fashion magazine Vogue (U.S. version) published images of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's beauty in Thai national dress. This was considered the initial presentation of Thailand’s “soft power” on the global stage.

8. Royal Costumes on Visits to Villagers

Her Majesty once said that it would be difficult for her to revisit each village. She, therefore, decided to dress in the manner of honoring the host. Her Majesty was strict about clothing in order to show respect to the people.

9. The Title “National Mother”

Like a mother caring for her children, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit worked tirelessly to improve the life of the people across the country. Her birthday, 12 August, has been designated National Mother’s Day.

Source: Royal Thai Volunteer Service Center