Her Majesty Queen Sirikit: The Eternal Queen Mother of Thailand

Early Life

Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother of Thailand, was born on August 12, 1932 in Bangkok, as the eldest daughter of Prince Nakkhatra Mangkala Kitiyakara and Mom Luang Bua Kitiyakara. She was named Sirikit, meaning “the glory of the Kitiyakara family.” Her birth coincided with the early years of Thailand’s transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional rule.

Her father served in the military and later as Secretary at the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C.. During that time, her mother, who was expecting, remained in Thailand where Queen Sirikit was born. She spent her early childhood under the care of her maternal grandparents before reuniting with her parents abroad.

Education and Early Years

Queen Sirikit began her education at Rajini School in Bangkok and later attended St. Francis Xavier Convent School, where she studied music and learned to play the piano with great passion. Her early life was marked by discipline and compassion, values instilled by her father during the hardships of World War II.

After the war, her father was appointed as Ambassador to the United Kingdom and later to France and Denmark. Queen Sirikit continued her studies in languages and piano, aspiring to become a professional musician. She later studied in Riante Rive School in Lausanne, Switzerland—a finishing school for young ladies specializing in languages, arts, and culture.

Meeting King Bhumibol Adulyadej

In 1948, while in Paris, Queen Sirikit met King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), who was studying in Switzerland. Their acquaintance grew during the King’s convalescence following a car accident. The King frequently invited her and her family to visit, and their friendship deepened under the watchful eyes of both families.

Engagement and Marriage

On July 19, 1949, their engagement was announced privately, with the King presenting the same engagement ring that his father had given his mother. On April 28, 1950, a royal wedding ceremony was held at Pathumwan Palace, presided over by Queen Savang Vadhana. The next day, the King was formally crowned and bestowed upon her the title Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.

Royal Duties and Family

Queen Sirikit accompanied King Bhumibol on royal tours and state visits, acting as a gracious representative of Thailand. Together, they had four royal children:

• Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya
• King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X)
• Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
• Princess Chulabhorn Walailak

The Queen balanced her duties as a mother and as the consort of the King, accompanying him across the nation and abroad, offering compassion and encouragement to the Thai people wherever she went.

Leadership and Contributions

In 1955, following the passing of Queen Savang Vadhana, King Bhumibol appointed Queen Sirikit as President of the Thai Red Cross Society, a role she fulfilled with dedication. During the King’s temporary ordination as a monk, she served as Regent of Thailand, becoming the second Queen in Thai history to hold such a position—after Queen Saovabha Phongsri during King Chulalongkorn’s reign.

As Queen Consort, she actively supported national development, cultural preservation, and women’s empowerment through numerous foundations and royal projects, including the SUPPORT Foundation, which helped rural communities preserve traditional crafts and earn sustainable incomes.

Later Years and Passing

In her later years, Queen Sirikit continued to be revered as the Mother of the Thai Nation for her lifelong service and compassion toward the people. Her birthday, August 12, was officially designated as Mother’s Day in Thailand.

According to an official announcement from the Bureau of the Royal Household, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025 at 21:21 after receiving long-term treatment at Chulalongkorn Hospital. She was 93 years old. Her passing marked the end of an era but left behind an everlasting legacy of love, grace, and dedication to Thailand.

Legacy

Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s legacy lives on through her tireless dedication to cultural preservation, social welfare, and humanitarian causes. She remains a symbol of compassion and devotion—an eternal Queen Mother beloved by all Thai people.

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Written for educational and historical purposes by Autobiography-Thailand Blog — honoring the lives of Thailand’s great figures.

King Chulalongkorn the Great: The Beloved Monarch Who Modernized Siam

King Chulalongkorn the Great (Rama V) was the eldest son of King Mongkut (Rama IV) and Queen Debsirindra. Born on September 20, 1853, he was given the royal title Prince Chulalongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun. From an early age, he was closely educated by his father in statecraft, royal traditions, and governance, while also learning English, Pali, and martial disciplines such as swordsmanship, wrestling, and elephant training.

Ascension to the Throne

King Chulalongkorn ascended the throne on October 1, 1868, at the age of fifteen. Initially, Chao Phraya Si Suriyawong served as regent until the King’s second coronation in 1873, after which he began to rule independently. His reign lasted 42 years, during which he transformed Siam into a modern nation comparable to Western powers.

Administrative Reforms

To strengthen national governance and resist Western colonial pressures, the King restructured Siam’s administration:

• Established the Council of State and the Privy Council (1874)
• Created 12 ministries to manage state affairs (1892)
• Reorganized regional administration into monthon (provinces)
• Abolished the corvée labor and slavery systems, granting freedom and equal rights to all citizens

Judicial and Legal Reforms

King Chulalongkorn established a unified legal system under the new Ministry of Justice, eliminating extraterritorial rights previously granted to foreigners. He ordered the drafting of the first Penal Code and founded the Law School to train professional jurists.

Military and Police Modernization

He reorganized the army based on European standards, introducing mandatory conscription and establishing the Royal Military Academy and national police forces to ensure peace and order throughout the country.

Abolition of Slavery

Perhaps his most celebrated reform was the peaceful abolition of slavery. Beginning in 1874, the Slave Liberation Act gradually freed all slaves over a span of 30 years without social conflict. The process culminated in the Complete Abolition Act of 1905, marking Siam as one of the first Asian nations to end slavery humanely.

Education Reforms

Understanding that education was key to progress, the King expanded public schooling, established the Department of Education, and initiated the King’s Scholarship for study abroad. His vision ultimately led to the foundation of Chulalongkorn University, Thailand’s first higher education institution, established in 1917 as a living memorial to his legacy.

Economic and Financial Reforms

King Chulalongkorn modernized Siam’s economy by introducing new tax systems, national budgeting, and separating royal and state finances. He established the Ministry of Finance (1892), introduced the baht currency system, and authorized the printing of Thailand’s first banknotes (1902). He also supported the founding of the Siam Commercial Bank, the first Thai-owned bank.

Arts, Literature, and Religion

A gifted artist and writer, the King was an avid photographer, leaving behind thousands of photos that now serve as vital historical records. His literary works, poems, and royal writings remain treasured in Thai literature. He founded the National Library (Vajiranana Library) and issued Siam’s first Copyright Act.

As a devout Buddhist and protector of all religions, he commissioned the construction of renowned temples such as Wat Ratchabophit and Wat Benchamabophit, and oversaw the publication of the Siam Edition of the Tripitaka in 1888. The Sangha Act of 1902 was enacted to modernize monastic administration.

Transportation and Infrastructure

King Chulalongkorn developed modern infrastructure including roads, bridges, canals, railways, telegraphs, and postal systems. Major projects included Ratchadamnoen Avenue and the first Thai railway line from Bangkok to Korat (1893). He also introduced electricity, telephones, and waterworks to the kingdom.

Public Health and Welfare

He founded the Siamese Red Cross Society in 1893 and established Siriraj Hospital, the first public hospital in Thailand, marking the beginning of organized healthcare in the country.

Foreign Relations

King Chulalongkorn was the first Thai monarch to travel abroad, visiting neighboring Asian nations and later Europe in 1897 and 1907. His visits strengthened diplomatic relations and helped maintain Siam’s independence amidst colonial expansion.

Cultural Reforms and Royal Traditions

The King modernized Thai customs—replacing traditional hairstyles and clothing with Western styles, abolishing the custom of crawling before royalty, and introducing more egalitarian etiquette, reflecting the modernization of Thai society.

Passing and Legacy

King Chulalongkorn passed away on October 23, 1910, at the age of 57, after 42 years on the throne. Deeply loved by his people, he was posthumously titled “Phra Piya Maharat” – The Beloved Great King. To this day, October 23 is celebrated in Thailand as King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day (Wan Piyamaharaj Day), honoring his enduring legacy of modernization, compassion, and national unity.

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Written for educational purposes by Autobiography-Thailand Blog — celebrating the people and stories that shaped the Thai nation.

Why Thailand Is One of the Most LGBTQ+-Friendly Countries in the World

 

Thailand is often celebrated as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in Asia — and perhaps, even the world. From vibrant pride parades to internationally known transgender celebrities, the visibility and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community in Thailand is something many outsiders admire. But what makes Thai society so open and embracing? The answer lies in a unique mix of cultural values, religious tolerance, and modern representation.

🧘 1. Buddhism and the Culture of Non-Judgment

Unlike countries rooted in Abrahamic religions (Christianity, Islam, Judaism), where LGBTQ+ identities are often seen as sinful, Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist country. In Theravāda Buddhism, which is practiced by most Thais, there is no direct condemnation of homosexuality or gender diversity. The core belief focuses on personal karma and compassion, not moral punishment.

While some monks may express traditional values, overall, Thai Buddhism teaches acceptance and mindfulness — leading to a society that tends to “let people be.”

🎭 2. Longstanding Visibility of LGBTQ+ People

Thailand has had public LGBTQ+ figures for decades — especially in the entertainment industry. Kathoey (a Thai term referring to transgender women or effeminate gay men) have appeared in films, television, and beauty contests since the mid-20th century. Shows like "The Iron Ladies" or "Tootsies & The Fake" show LGBTQ+ characters not just as comic relief, but as heroes and complex individuals.

This representation helps Thai people become familiar — and comfortable — with LGBTQ+ identities from a young age.

💃 3. Cultural Emphasis on Expression and Aesthetics

Thai culture celebrates beauty, art, and flamboyant performance. From traditional dance to Muay Thai promotions, the line between masculinity and femininity is more fluid than in many Western or Middle Eastern societies. LGBTQ+ individuals — especially transgender women — are often admired for their style, grace, and confidence.

This value on external beauty and charm opens the door for LGBTQ+ people to find social and economic roles — particularly in fashion, media, and tourism.

🧑‍🎓 4. Younger Generations Are Leading Change

Urban Thai youth, especially in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, are highly active in LGBTQ+ activism, pride movements, and online discourse. Social media has given rise to influencers and activists who challenge gender roles, promote LGBTQ+ rights, and educate the public.

This online visibility creates a ripple effect — changing hearts and minds across the country, even in more conservative provinces.

💔 5. But It’s Not Perfect: Legal Gaps Remain

Despite social acceptance, Thailand still lacks full legal protections for LGBTQ+ people. Same-sex marriage is not yet recognized (as of 2025), and many transgender individuals cannot change their gender on official documents. Workplace discrimination and bullying in schools still exist.

However, the public pressure to legalize same-sex marriage has grown immensely, and new laws are being considered in parliament.

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🌍 Final Thoughts

Thailand’s acceptance of LGBTQ+ people is not just a trend — it's deeply woven into the fabric of its culture. While there is still room for progress, the country stands as a shining example of what happens when spirituality, media representation, and a live-and-let-live attitude come together.

Whether you're a traveler seeking a welcoming place or a young LGBTQ+ person looking for community, Thailand continues to be a place of hope, color, and pride.

DANCE, DRAMA AND THEATRE IN THAILAND

Rabam Chiengsaen

This is a dance from the set of Archaeological Dances, a creation of Dhanit Yupho, who, during his time as the Director General of the Fine Arts Department, presented this dance to His Majesty The King on May 25, 1967 on the occasion of the opining of a new building at the National Museum. Chiengsaen Dance is the fourth in the set and belongs to the period between 17 - 25 Centuries (Buddhist eras). The choreography is based on evidence found on various engraved stones, and was the work of Archarn Lamoon Yamakupt and Archarn Charley Sukvanich, experts in Thai classical dance of the College of Dramatic Ants. Fine Arts Department, The music is of the northern, Laotian and northeastern flavors combined, and were composed by Archarn Montri Tramod, the Thai classical music expert of the Fine Arts Department.

Rabam Dvaravadi

Dvaravadi was a Kingdom of the Mons, which existed in Thailand from about the 6th to the 11th century A.D. The archaeological evidence found in ancient sites, while the melody and dance movements are in Mon style inspired the music ensembles to his dance.

Rabam Lopburi 

The term "Lopburi" in this dance signifies the era called "Lopburi Arts" (11-14 Centuries) which is the inspiration for the creation of this dance.

In 1967 Archarn Lamoon Yamakup and Archarn Chaleuy Sukavanich, under the instruction of Dhanit Yupho, the Director General of the Fine Arts Department, choreographed this dance base on the artistic tradition that can be seen in the historical remains in the museums and ancient monuments in Thailand. Archarn Montri Tramod composed the music for this dance.

Rabam Srivichai

This is the second in the set of five "archaeological" dances conceived by Dhanit Yupho, Director General of the Fine Arts Department, in 1967. The choreography was by Lamoon Yamakupt and Chaleuy Sukavanich. And music by Archarn Montri Tramod. The Srivichai period extended from the 8th to the 13th Centuries and its influence expanded from Indonesia to cover the southern part of Thailand. The choreography is based on images on the great stupa of Borobudo in Central Java and other artifact of the Srivijaya period. The melody was also composed in Javanese style.

The Sukhothai Dance

The time between the 14the and the 15the Centuries was the Sukhothai period, the most important period, in which the Thais laid their cultural foundation and created their own arts in several branches. Thai music and dances were also reformed and improved in this period. The musical instruments used in the "Sukhothai Dance" were evidently shown in the documents and inscription stones. The music was composed in accordance with the general style of Sukhothai arts, which shows inclination toward gracefulness. It also includes a well-known old Sukhothai song.

Spectacular Thailand Boat Race: A Fun-Filled Event for Locals and Tourists Alike

 

The Boat Race is Thailand, which is held every year during the month of September, when all the rivers and streams are full. The races are all over the country, which takes place particularly in the provinces of Pichit, Phitsanulok, Narathiwat, Nan, Angthong, Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya and Surat Thani.

The race is a traditional event in Thailand. History of boat racing dates back to the Ayutthaya kingdom about 600 years ago. During this time, keep the race is, menphysically and mentally fit in a time when there was a constant shadow of war threatens the land. Today, however, the boat ride is fun and Event is a popular sport.

The boats are used in boat racing, built from a single tree trunk of a large hospital. Each boat can accommodate a maximum of 60 rowers. The rowers sit in two rows, to move the boat to its maximum speed. Each boat is different, where colorful dress. All rowers in a boatwear a dress like that. During the race, the boats are decorated with a large number of flowers and ribbons.

The event is festive and colorful, which attracts many local and foreign spectators. Viewers see the sport with great enthusiasm and lasts until the end of the race with the spectators in their favorite team. The improvised narrative of professional speaker, makes the sport more interesting and viewers have a lot of funduring exercise. After the race, the winning team a trophy and the prize is awarded.

Inside the Bamboo Houses: A Look at the Daily Life of the Lisu Tribe in Thailand

Lisu is one of the tribal groups living in Thailand, with approximately 27,900 Lisu residing in 135 villages in northern Thailand. The Lisu tribe originally came from China and moved to Thailand sometime in the 20th century, and now primarily grow rice and vegetables.

Initially, they cultivated opium poppy, but after a government initiative, the Lisu started selling hand-made objects in the surrounding villages. Since the villages in which they live are close to the village markets, they can earn more money by selling their goods.

Lisu people live in bamboo houses and huts, with each house having an ancient altar. They practice animism and strongly believe in ghosts, performing rituals and ceremonies for their ancestors, spirits of the forest, trees, sun, moon, and everyday objects. They also believe in the guardian spirits of the village, and women are not allowed in the guardian spirit shrines. Despite the modern appearance of some villages with electricity, television, and concrete slab homes, they lead a very traditional Lisu life.

Their clothing is more colorful than that of other tribes, with Lisu women making clothes for their family, mostly handmade and hand-woven. The women wear colorful costumes, consisting of tunics, blue or green knee-length skirts with a wide black belt, and blue or green pants. The sleeves, shoulders, and wrists have narrow horizontal stripes in blue, red, and yellow embroidery. They carry large amounts of hand-crafted silver ornaments for festive occasions. Lisu men produce crossbows, musical instruments, and traps for birds and animals to supplement their income.

Exploring Thailand: A Guide to Obtaining a Tourist Visa for Your Next Adventure

 Thailand is a beautiful country with a rich culture and tropical climate that are natural magnets for those who live in the bottom of the world. Much of Thailand's industrial turnover consists of tourism, which makes it the center of tourism in the Far East. What happens if you live in another country and would like to spend a holiday in Thailand? Of course, it will not be as easy as a walk in the park. Guidelines must be followed, and documents are required before boarding a plane bound for the Land of Smiles.

Visiting Thailand as a tourist

When you visit Thailand for leisure, sightseeing, and personal enlightenment, you're a tourist. A tourist is not allowed to work or do business in Thailand. A tourist needs a Thai tourist visa so that he/she can stay in Thailand for a period of 30 days while conducting their own investigations and travels in the country.

What is a Thai tourist visa?

A tourist visa is a stamp or a document required to stay in Thailand for a period of time for tourism purposes. It is stamped in the passport upon arrival at the airport, or can be obtained at the Thai Embassy or consulate in your country. Tourist visas can be extended if necessary. Some countries have agreements with the Government of Thailand that allow their citizens to benefit from the Thai tourist visa to enter Thailand.

Requirements for a tourist visa

When applying for a tourist visa for Thailand, the required documents and fees must be submitted to ensure that you obtain one. The documents and fees are subject to change at any time and without notice, so it's a good idea to ask for the right information before leaving for Thailand, given its thriving tourism industry.

Required documents:

1. Passport or travel document valid for not less than 6 months
2. Visa application form (completed)
3. A (1) 4x6cm photo of the applicant
4. Round trip air ticket or e-ticket (paid in full)
5. Proof of financial means (20,000 Baht per person/40,000 Baht per family)

Do not forget that Thai consular officers reserve the right to request additional documents if they are deemed necessary, so it's recommended to be in good shape and have all your records and documents with you. Visa fees are $30.00 per entry or equivalent. The tourist visa fee is subject to change without notice, so it's a good idea to be updated by visiting the Thai Embassy or Consulate nearest to your area or visiting the Thai Embassy website for updates online.

Validity of the Thai visa

The validity of a Thai tourist visa ranges from 15 days to 60 days depending on nationality. Applicants from the United States, Britain, and Australia will receive a 60-day tourist visa from their Thai embassy.

Exception to the rule requiring a visa (Visa No Thai)

If you have arrived in Thailand through an international airport, you will need permission to stay for 30 days (depending on whether your country has a bilateral agreement on visa exemption with Thailand). If you enter Thailand by land, your limit will be etched by a 15-day permission to stay in Thailand for immigration by a tourist permit after you have left the country again by the end of your stay. However, the tourist visa can be extended in Thailand if you want or need to stay longer. You must file an extension of stay at the Thai Immigration Office in Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120. Bear in mind that the success of an extension of stay is at the sole discretion of the immigration officer attending to your application.

In summary, tourist visas can be obtained from the Kingdom of Thailand for up to 60 days before travel. In this period, the visa may be extended by