On October 24, 2025, at 9:21 PM, Queen Sirikit of Thailand passed away peacefully at Chulalongkorn Hospital at the age of 93. The nation was plunged into deep mourning: on the streets of Bangkok, people stood in silence, holding white flowers. Schools across the country lowered flags to half-staff and suspended celebrations, creating a solemn and reverent atmosphere.

Many international schools in Thailand also took this commemoration very seriously. They emailed parents with condolences and information on future school arrangements. They switched their profile pictures on the Line parent-school communication group and official school accounts to black and white. Not only did they lower flags to half-staff, but they also set up a dedicated guestbook for teachers, students, and parents to write their condolences. Non-essential school celebrations were also suspended. Teachers and students spontaneously wore plain clothing, sharing their grief with the local community through a series of thoughtful and solemn gestures. This timeless grief has prompted reflection: Why did this woman command the affection of the nation? The answer lies in her 93-year life, which illuminated countless lives with her education and compassion.

Queen Sirikit was born on August 12, 1932, in Bangkok, Thailand. She was born into the royal family—her father was Prince Kanthaburi Surana and her mother was Lady Buya Kitiyakorn. A gifted and studious child, she attended Ratchanee Girls' School and then the Bangkok Convent School. Later, due to her father's diplomatic appointment, the family moved to France, where she continued her studies in languages, music, and art. This upbringing, bridging Eastern and Western influences, shaped her open-minded and inclusive outlook and laid the foundation for her future commitment to public welfare and cultural endeavors.

In 1950, Queen Sirikit married King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX). Since then, she has accompanied the King throughout Thailand, particularly in impoverished and remote areas, to personally listen to the concerns of the people. She was the first queen in Thai history to personally visit the Northeast, consistently embodying the spirit of "the Royal Family for the People." Throughout her life, the Queen Mother firmly believed that education and skills training are fundamental to improving one's lot. In 1976, she founded the Queen Sirikit Institute of Arts and Crafts, establishing vocational training centers across the country to teach traditional skills to farmers and young people free of charge. The Institute purchases and sells students' work, creating a virtuous cycle of "passing on skills, increasing income, and perpetuating culture." As of 2019, over 5,000 artisans had benefited from this initiative, making Thai silk a symbol of Thai culture. She also personally participated in the design of traditional costumes, reintegrating traditional crafts into modern life.

In the field of environmental protection, the Queen Mother also prioritized education, promoting environmental protection and sustainable development concepts in school curricula and public education. Her philosophy inspired Thai society to prioritize the integration of ecology and education.

In the field of cross-cultural education, she encouraged Princess Sirindhorn to study Chinese. This decision indirectly promoted Sino-Thai educational cooperation, including Princess Sirindhorn's study at Peking University and the establishment of a Confucius Institute in Thailand, which has become an important bridge of friendship between China and Thailand. Furthermore, the Queen Mother has long supported the Thai Red Cross, helping disadvantaged groups acquire livelihood skills through skills training programs like sewing and housekeeping, thus solidifying the concept of "education empowering people's livelihoods."

It is noteworthy that the high regard with which international schools in Thailand have attached to this mourning period reflects two core tenets of international education. On one hand, it was about "transmitting the spirit of educational public welfare"—a move deeply aligned with Queen Sirikit's belief that "education is the greatest public good." The school, rather than treating mourning as a mere ritual, used the solemn atmosphere to help students understand that education is not merely about imparting knowledge, but also about improving individual destinies, perpetuating cultural heritage, and warming society. This translated the Queen Mother's original aspirations for education into tangible nurturing practices. On the other hand, it was about "cross-cultural empathy and connection." Just as the Queen Mother promoted educational cooperation between China and Thailand and built bridges between East and West, the school's mourning became a vivid cross-cultural lesson. As students of different nationalities shared their condolences and witnessed the details of the campus mourning, they experienced "respect for those who have contributed and recognition of the value of education" as shared pursuits that transcend cultural differences. This is precisely the global perspective and humanistic empathy that international education strives to cultivate.

Queen Sirikit traveled throughout Thailand's 70 provinces and counties throughout her life, interpreting the principle of "education is the greatest public good" with compassion and wisdom. Through her actions, she closely connected tradition, ecology, and the human heart. Although she has passed away, the kindness and perseverance she sowed will continue to be an enduring force, illuminating Thailand's future. This strength is being passed on through the solemn commemoration of international schools, serving as a vivid example of how international education practices cultural respect and upholds the spirit of public welfare.

Let us remember this elder who warmed the nation with education—Queen Sirikit. Her kindness and wisdom will remain in our hearts forever.