Sirikit facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sirikit
Queen Mother of Thailand
Queen Sirikit in 2007
Queen consort of Thailand
Tenure	28 April 1950 – 13 October 2016
Coronation	5 May 1950
Born	Sirikit Kitiyakara (1932-08-12) 12 August 1932 (age 92) Bangkok, Siam
Spouse	Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) ​ ​ (m. 1950; died 2016)​
Issue Detail	Princess Ubol Ratana Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) Sirindhorn, Princess Royal Chulabhorn, Princess Srisavangavadhana
House	Kitiyakara (by birth) Mahidol (by marriage)
Dynasty	Chakri
Father	Nakkhatra Mangala
Mother	Bua Snidvongs
Religion	Theravada Buddhism
Signature

Sirikit (born Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara; 12 August 1932) is a very important member of the Thai royal family. She was the Queen of Thailand from 1950 to 2016. She was married to King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX). She is also the mother of the current King, Vajiralongkorn (Rama X).

Queen Sirikit met King Bhumibol in Paris, France. Her father was the Thai ambassador there. They got married in 1950, just before the King's official crowning ceremony. In 1956, Queen Sirikit became the queen regent. This happened when the King spent some time as a Buddhist monk. Queen Sirikit and the King had four children. She was the longest-serving queen consort in the world at that time. In 2012, Queen Sirikit became unwell and has not made public appearances since then.

Early Life and Family Background

Sirikit was born on August 12, 1932. She was born at her grandfather's home in Bangkok, Siam. She is the oldest daughter and third child of Prince Nakkhatra Mangkala Kitiyakara. Her mother was Mom Luang Bua Snidvongs. Her name, Sirikit, was given by Queen Rambai Barni. It means "the greatness of Kitiyakara."

She had three brothers and sisters:

• Prince Kalyanakit Kitiyakara (1929–1987)
• Prince Adulakit Kitiyakara (1930–2004)
• Princess Busba Kitiyakara (born 1934)

When Sirikit was a baby, her grandparents took care of her for a year. This was because her parents were in the United States for her father's work. When she was one year old, her family returned to Thailand. They lived in Deves Palace in Bangkok.

Education and Learning Journey

At four years old, Sirikit started school at Rajini School. She studied there during her primary years. During this time, the Pacific War was happening. Bangkok was bombed often, making it unsafe to travel. So, she moved to Saint Francis Xavier Convent School, which was closer to the palace.

In 1946, after the war, her father became the ambassador to the United Kingdom. Sirikit, then 13, moved with her family. She finished her secondary education there. In England, she learned to play the piano. She also became very good at speaking English and French. Because her father was a diplomat, her family moved to other countries. These included Denmark and France. In France, she studied music in Paris.

While in France, Sirikit met King Bhumibol Adulyadej. They were related because both were descendants of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). At that time, Bhumibol was already king and studying in Switzerland. Sirikit and the King spent time together, visiting tourist places. They found they had a lot in common.

Royal Marriage and Family Life

Queen Sirikit (far left) with other members of the Thai royal family in 1950.

In 1948, King Bhumibol had a car accident in Switzerland. Sirikit visited him often in the hospital. His mother, The Princess Mother Sangwan, asked Sirikit to study nearby. This way, the King could get to know her better. Bhumibol chose a boarding school for her in Lausanne. They became engaged quietly on July 19, 1949.

They got married on April 28, 1950, just one week before his coronation. The wedding took place at Srapathum Palace. Queen Sri Savarindira, the Queen Grandmother, led the ceremony. Both the King and Sirikit signed their marriage certificate. Since Sirikit was not yet 18, her parents also signed. She then received a special award and became queen. After the coronation on May 5, 1950, they went back to Switzerland to finish their studies. They returned to Bangkok in 1952.

The royal couple had four children. Through them, they have many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Their Children

Queen Regent Role

Queen Sirikit taking an oath in 1956 when she became regent.

King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit, 1963.

Queen Sirikit and Vladimir Putin, 2007.

In 1956, King Bhumibol spent some time as a Buddhist monk. During this period, Queen Sirikit took on the role of regent. This means she managed the country's affairs in his place. She did such a good job that the King officially named her the Regent of Thailand. He gave her the special title 'Somdet Phra Nang Chao Sirikit Phra Borommarachininat'. She was the second queen in Thai history to be a regent. The first was Queen Saovabha Phongsri.

Health and Public Appearances

On July 21, 2012, Queen Sirikit felt unwell while exercising. Doctors found that she had suffered a stroke. Since then, the Queen has not appeared in public. This includes important events like her husband's 85th birthday celebration.

In November 2016, the palace announced that the Queen had left the hospital. She returned to the Chitralada Royal Villa after recovering.

Cultural Importance and Impact

Queen Sirikit's birthday, August 12, is a national holiday in Thailand. It is also celebrated as Mothers' Day. People in traditional parts of Thailand especially respect her. She is seen as a very important figure.

She has worked to promote understanding for Muslim people in southern Thailand. This has made her very popular among Thai Muslims. The Queen has a strong connection with southern Thailand. She used to spend months there every year. She is known for her quiet diplomatic efforts.

Books and Music

Queen Sirikit's personal flag, flown in August.

In 1964, Queen Sirikit published a book. It was called In Memory of my European Trip. This book described her travels in Europe with the King. She has also written songs for the palace band, called The Handsome Band.

The songs she composed are:

• Chao Chom Khwan
• That Thoe
• Sai Yut
• Nang Yaem

Honors and Awards

In 1976, the Thai government honored Queen Sirikit. They made her birthday, August 12, a national holiday.

She has received many honors from Thailand and other countries. These awards recognize her important work and position.

Things Named After the Queen

Queen Sirikit is known for her charity work. She is the honorary president of the Thai Red Cross. She has held this role since 1956. She also helped people after the tsunami in southern Thailand in 2004. She has also helped many refugees from Cambodia and Myanmar in Thailand.

Many places and things in Thailand are named after Queen Sirikit:

• The Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health (a children's hospital)
• The Queen Sirikit Medical Center building
• The Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer (a hospital)
• The Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok
• The Queen Sirikit Park in Bangkok
• The Sirikit Dam on the Nan River
• The Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden
• The Queen Sirikit Arboretum Garden
• The Queen Sirikit Cup, a golf event
• The Queen Sirikit Crab (a type of crab)
• The Queen Sirikit Rose (a flower)
• The Queen's Cup, a football competition

The Queen also helps promote Thai culture and history. She supported the making of the Thai movie The Legend of Suriyothai. This was one of the biggest Thai movies ever made.

Images for kids

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  Queen Sirikit's signature

See also

In Spanish: Sirikit para niños

• List of covers of Time magazine (1960s)