Thailand’s Queen Mother, Sirkit, 86, is back in the hospital, this time with a respiratory infection. She was admitted on Sunday to the Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok after developing a persistent cough and fever. The Royal Household Bureau made the announcement on Tuesday, 23 July.
King Rama X’s mother has an infection of the respiratory tract and is being treated by doctors with antibiotics and close medical care.
Her Majesty’s health is said to be improving, and she is able to eat and speak and the fever has broken; however, doctors have advised her to remain in the hospital for observation.
Members of the Thai government have been visiting the hospital to lay flowers and write in a book set aside for people to send their good wishes. The public are able to visit, as well, to wish her well by signing the book and laying flowers.
The Queen Mother has been in bad health over the past several years. She suffered a stroke in 2012 and has since remained mostly out of the public eye.
Unfortunately, this is not her first stint in the hospital this year. She missed her son’s coronation in May as she was hospitalised with a bladder infection. Her 62-year-old niece, Princess Soamsawali (who is also King Rama X’s ex-wife) has been in the hospital for months after suffering a brain haemorrhage. She was released from Intensive Care (ICU) in March.
Queen Sirikit is the widow of King Rama IX – a beloved figure in Thailand whose death caused widespread mourning across the country for months. He died in October 2016 at the age of 88 after suffering declining health for many years.
