Singapore leaders send condolences to Thai people and family of Queen Mother Sirikit
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Thai women mourn with photographs of Thailand's Queen Mother Sirikit after the announcement of her death at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok on Oct 25.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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SINGAPORE - Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit, who died aged 93 on Oct 24 ,
In a letter to Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn on Oct 26, Mr Tharman said the former queen’s initiatives brought the beauty of Thai textiles and culture to the attention of the world, and preserved local handicrafts.
Her initiatives also uplifted livelihoods of rural communities, and improved the health of women and children.
“They brought far-reaching benefits to the country,” he said.
Sending condolences on behalf of the people of Singapore, Mr Tharman added that the former queen will be fondly remembered for her dedication to the welfare of the Thai people.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, in a letter to his Thai counterpart Anutin Charnvirakul, said Queen Mother Sirikit was well-loved and respected by the people of Thailand.
He added that she carried out her royal duties with grace, and was a steadfast pillar beside the late king Bhumibol throughout his reign.
He said: “Her Majesty’s selfless dedication to sustainable development, the welfare of women and children, and preservation of traditional crafts demonstrated her wisdom and foresight.
“The legacy of her work will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of the Thai people in the years to come.”
PM Wong added that the death of the former queen is a great loss, and she will be dearly missed. “My thoughts are with you and the people of Thailand during this period of grief,” he said.
Sirikit’s only son, now King Maha Vajiralongkorn, also known as Rama X, succeeded Bhumibol after his death in 2016, and upon his coronation in 2019, Sirikit’s formal title became the Queen Mother.
Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, writing to his Thai counterpart Sihasak Phuangketkeow, said the former queen will always be remembered for her love, magnanimity, and devotion to the Thai people.
“She was fittingly regarded by the Thai people as the Mother of the Nation,” he added.
Dr Balakrishnan said the former queen supported the late king Bhumibol on numerous royal missions throughout the country and internationally, which brought development and improvement to the quality of life for the Thai people.
Together, the couple launched over 4,000 royal development projects aimed at uplifting lives and livelihoods, he added.
Sirikit also dedicated her life to charity work and led the Thai Red Cross Society from 1956, he said.
“She left an indelible mark on Thai society for her role in helping to foster the stability and prosperity, which the country enjoys today,” Dr Balakrishnan added.
He offered his condolences, calling the queen’s death a profound loss that will be felt by many people.
