Recognized as Mother of the Thai Nation, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother turns 93 this year. Each year, Thai people join the celebration of Her Majesty’s birthday anniversary, 12 August.
Her Majesty The Queen Mother was born in 1932 as M.R. Sirikit Kitiyakara, the eldest daughter of Prince Nakkhatra Mangalaand M.L. Bua Kitiyakara. It was a turbulent time in Thailand, or Siam, at that time, with the coup of 24 June1932, which changed Thailand’s administrative system from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. Prince Nakkhatra Mangala, who was then a colonel in the Royal Thai Army, had to leave the military service. He was appointed First Secretary at the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C. The young M.R. Sirikit was left in the care of her maternal grandfather and grandmother.
By late 1935, her father resigned from government service and returned to Thailand. M.R. Sirikit rejoined her family and started her schooling at kindergarten level. After the World War, her father was appointed the Ambassador to the Court of St. James, Great Britain, and then Denmark and France. She went along with the family, took piano lessons, and studied art, languages, history, and literature.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (Rama IX) became engaged to M.R. Sirikit when they were abroad. The King married her in Bangkok on 28 April 1950, when she was bestowed with the royal title of Her Majesty the Queen. On his coronation day, May 5 in the same year, King Rama IX elevated her to the full rank of Queen.
Since she became Queen, Her Majesty The Queen Mother assisted King Bhumibol Adulyadej in his development work. She has become a role model for Thai people by promoting their well-being. In support of the King’s work, the Queen Mother looked after the Thai people, especially those struggling to earn a livelihood and in need of occupational know-how.
Her Majesty The Queen Mother also gave rise to many development projects that benefit men, women, and children alike. Her Majesty has also devoted her time, energy, and personal funds to royal functions and activities, as well as numerous royally initiated projects, covering a wide range of areas, such as arts and culture and the environment.
Long Live Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.
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