Sirikit (1932–)

Queen and regent of Thailand. Name variations: Princess Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara or Mom Rajawong Sirikit Kitiyakara; Sirikit Kitiyakara. Born in Bangkok, Thailand, Aug 12, 1932; dau. of Prince Chandaburi Suranath (Nakkhatra Mongkol Kitiyakara), a diplomat, and Mom Luang Bua (Snidwongse) Kitiyakara; m. Bhumibol Adulyadej, also known as King Rama IX, April 28, 1950; children: Princess Ubol Ratana (b. 1951); Prince Ma Ha Vajiralongkorn (b. 1952); Crown Princess Sirindhorn (b. 1955); Princess Chulabhorn (b. 1957).

Crowned queen of Thailand (1950); acted as regent (1956); was active in Thai Red Cross and public health issues; promoted Thai cottage industries by establishing the Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques (1976); as a member of the World Wildlife Fund, promoted the afforestation of one of Thailand's most arid regions and worked to protect wildlife habitats, particularly those of endangered species; was an untiring advocate for the well-being of the people of Thailand, whether it be their access to adequate health care or promotion of their livelihoods; retired from public life (1985). Received UN's Ceres Medal for her work among rural Thai women (1979) and Borobudur Gold Medal (1992) for her efforts to preserve Thailand's cultural heritage; became 1st foreigner to receive the International Humanitarian Award from Friends of the Capital Children's Museum of Washington, DC (1991).

See also Women in World History.