The air in Thailand turned solemn in late October 2025. On the evening of the 24th, the Royal Palace announced the passing of Queen Mother Sirikit at the age of 93, following a battle with a blood infection that had drawn nationwide concern. Within hours, Bangkok’s streets transformed—electronic billboards switched to somber black-and-white tributes, government buildings lowered flags to half-mast, and thousands of people dressed in dark clothing lined the 10-kilometer route as her casket was escorted to the Grand Palace. This wasn’t just mourning for a royal figure; it was a nation grieving the "Moon" who had stood beside their "Sun" for decades, as Thais often described her alongside the late King Bhumibol.
Queen Mother Sirikit’s life was a tapestry of grace and service woven across 93 years. Born in 1932 to a noble diplomatic family, she spent her childhood in Europe, studying in the UK, Denmark, and France—where fate brought her together with Prince Bhumibol Adulyadej. They married in 1950, and she dedicated herself to standing by his side, later becoming the backbone of the monarchy after his passing. Her public service began early: in 1956, she took on the role of Thai Red Cross Society President, and by 1960, she was Honorary Chair of the Social Welfare Council, positions she used to uplift the most vulnerable.
What made her truly beloved, though, was her relentless commitment to ordinary Thais. In 1976, she founded the Royal Foundation for Traditional Crafts, training rural farmers in artisanal skills to preserve cultural heritage while easing poverty. She designed 8 styles of traditional Thai women’s clothing and 3 for men, giving her people a sartorial symbol of national pride. Even in poor health, she persisted in visiting remote mountain communities to deliver education and medical resources through her "Mother’s Project," earning her the endearing title of "Thailand’s Mother". Beyond her borders, she nurtured Sino-Thai friendship, visiting China in 2000 as a royal envoy and laying groundwork for the "China-Thailand Family" bond respected today. A UNESCO goodwill ambassador and accomplished artist, she proved true nobility lies not in birth, but in service.
In the wake of her passing, Thailand launched a year-long period of mourning for officials and 90 days for citizens. For many unable to wear full black daily, a small black ribbon badge has become the most poignant symbol of remembrance. This isn’t just a global sign of grief—rooted in traditions from Victorian mourning to ancient Roman funerary rites—it’s a uniquely Thai expression of devotion. Pinning it to a lapel, bag, or hat lets people carry their respect quietly, honoring the Queen Mother’s legacy without disrupting daily life.
Every time I see someone wearing this black ribbon, I’m reminded of what made Queen Mother Sirikit extraordinary. She lived a life of privilege but chose purpose; she wielded influence but used it for empowerment. The ribbon isn’t just fabric and thread—it’s a nation’s thanks, a reminder that her light continues to shine in the schools she built, the crafts she saved, and the hearts she touched. Though an era has ended, her spirit endures in every quiet act of remembrance.
As a globally recognized symbol of mourning, the black ribbon’s core meaning lies in commemorating the deceased and expressing grief. Historically, its origin can be traced back to funeral rituals in ancient Rome, and it was further popularized through royal traditions of the Victorian era (e.g., Queen Victoria wore a black ribbon to mourn Prince Albert), eventually becoming an internationally accepted symbol of sorrow. In the Thai context, the black ribbon badge not only inherits this global consensus but also integrates Thailand’s cultural reverence for the royal family. It serves as a convenient way for the public to show respect during the mourning period—aligning with etiquette norms while embodying deep remembrance for the departed.
In short, this black ribbon badge is a dual-meaning commemorative carrier formed by Thai people when mourning Queen Mother Sirikit, combining local royal culture with the global tradition of mourning symbols.
