When did former Queen Sirikit become the President of the Thai Red Cross? Noble life explored as queen mother dies at 93

Former Queen Sirikit reportedly passed away on October 24 at 21:21 local time in a Bangkok Hospital. Sources report that the Queen served as the President of the Thai Red Cross from August 12, 1956, until her passing.

The Thai Royal Household Bureau released a notice confirming the news that the former queen had passed away "peacefully" at the age of 93. The statement read,

"According to the medical team providing treatment to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, they requested royal permission for Her Majesty to be admitted to Chulalongkorn Hospital of the Thai Red Cross Society on 7 September 2019 to monitor various health conditions."

They added,

"During Her Majesty’s stay at Chulalongkorn Hospital, she experienced several periods of illness. The medical team discovered various abnormalities in multiple systems, which required continuous medical care."

The statement further revealed that Queen Sirikit's condition had deteriorated after she developed a "sepsis" on October 17, 2025. According to the BBC, the current King Vajiralongkorn has reportedly offered condolences and issued a royal funeral for the Queen.

Tributes pour in as Former Queen Sirikit dies at 93

Former Queen Sirikit was married to King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the longest-ruling monarch of Thailand, per The Guardian. The news outlet noted that a mourning period of a year has been announced for the royal family. The Thai Red Cross Society is grieving the loss of its beloved queen. They took to their social media to share multiple posts remembering the benevolence of Queen.

According to the Society, the Queen revealed her intentions to serve her people and dedicate her life to upliftment during her royal speech (1979). She said, (rough translation)

“I have decided to help these fellow human beings as much as I am able.”

In approximately seven decades as the president, Queen gained international recognition for her work. The Red Cross Society added that she made,

"an organization that provides public health services and relief of suffering to Thai citizens, including people in need, regardless of class, caste, religion, or race.

According to a Thai news outlet, The Royal Correspondent, the Queen aimed to uplift rural communities and, during her time, established associations to support "local handicrafts." Dubbed as Queen Mother, she was reportedly revered and loved by all.

Queen Sirikit reportedly passed away following a battle with health conditions. The BBC reported that she is survived by her son and three daughters.

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