From urban communities to remote towns, the sense of loss is felt keenly across the kingdom as Thais mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.
While expressing profound sorrow, citizens also expressed heartfelt gratitude for Her Majesty’s unparalleled grace and dedication to the nation.
In the northeastern region, government agencies, state enterprises and local organisations, as witnessed in Yasothon and Bueng Kan provinces, lowered their flags to half-mast and displayed mourning cloths as a mark of tribute.
Local clothing stores put black attire on display, allowing residents to purchase it and wear it to mourn Her Majesty’s passing.
In Nakhon Ratchasima, Prakakrong Phutklang, a retired teacher, spoke about Her Majesty’s life of service and the positive impact of her projects on the people she served.
“Her Majesty’s dedication to the people made the nation better,” the teacher said.
Kerd Chinsuk, 92, from Phimai district, recalled the time when she met King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit during their visit to the district in 1955 and fondly remembered Her Majesty’s kindness.
Ms Kerd recalled that Her Majesty asked her how old the child was.
She replied, “Six months, and he’s my only child”.
Her Majesty smiled warmly in response and looked radiant, Ms Kerd said.
She said that to honour the memory of the royal family, she has raised her family with sustainable farming principles inspired by King Rama IX (King Bhumibol Adulyadej).
In the Central Plains, locals in Uthai Thani province expressed their intention to mourn for a full year, with black attire becoming a prominent symbol of respect.
At the Saturday market in Nong Chang municipality, vendors and shoppers alike wore black. Stores quickly sold out of black attire.
A vendor tearfully shared her sorrow, calling Her Majesty the “Mother of the Land”, a title that resonated deeply with many.
In Si Racha district of Chon Buri province, residents immediately donned black clothing to express their sorrow.
In Ayutthaya province, staff at the Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre have begun decorating the place with mourning cloth, and residents are joining in, reflecting on Her Majesty’s support for vocational training and community education.
In Betong district, Yala province, in the Deep South, the atmosphere was similarly sombre.
Vendors and locals recalled Her Majesty’s visits to remote areas, including a 1976 trip to Betong, where she promoted livelihoods and improved the quality of life for residents.
For them, Her Majesty was not only a queen but a mother figure who deeply cared for every citizen.
Agencies across the country are also opening condolence books for citizens.