Five Faiths Hold Memorial Rites for Queen Mother
Thailand's five recognized religions — Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Brahmin-Hindu, and Sikhism — held coordinated memorial ceremonies nationwide from October 17 to November 1 to mark the first anniversary of Queen Sirikit's passing. The events, organized under the Ministry of Culture's supervision, included merit-making, prayer sessions, and religious rites in Bangkok and several provinces, reflecting the nation's shared loyalty and grief.
Following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, His Majesty the King commanded the Bureau of the Royal Household to conduct the royal funeral with the highest honors according to royal tradition. The royal remains were placed at Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall in the Grand Palace, and the King ordered members of the royal family and courtiers to observe a one-year mourning period.
Culture Minister Sabida Thaiset revealed that the Ministry of Culture, via the Department of Religious Affairs, was tasked by the Royal Cremation Ceremony Organizing Committee to coordinate with the five recognized religious bodies — Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Brahmin-Hindu, and Sikhism — to jointly hold religious ceremonies and merit-making activities marking the first anniversary of the Queen Mother's passing on October 24, 2026. The activities, scheduled from October 17 to November 1, 2026, in Bangkok and other provinces, aim to express loyalty and commemorate her royal benevolence through each faith's traditions.
Buddhism (Saturday, October 24, 2026): 1) The World Fellowship of Buddhists will hold a merit-making ceremony at Wat Thammamongkol Thep Bunnath Vihan in Phra Khanong, Bangkok. 2) The Buddhist Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage will organize a commemorative project at the Luang Bhirala Vechakij Auditorium in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok. 3) The Dhammakaya Foundation of Thailand under Royal Patronage will hold a "Unity of Loyalty, Remembrance of Great Grace" project at Wat Sam Phraya in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok. 4) The Young Buddhists Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage will conduct a Vipassana meditation retreat for teachers and the public led by Phra Khru Bawon Wiriyawong (Krachit Aññakkhano) from October 23–27, 2026.
Islam: The Chularajamontri Office will hold a "Qur'an Recitation for Royal Honor" project from October 23–24, 2026, at the National Islamic Affairs Administration Center, Chaloem Phra Kiat, in Nong Chok, Bangkok, to express condolences and remembrance through Islamic rites.
Christianity (Sunday, October 25, 2026): 1) The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Thailand will hold a thanksgiving Mass at Assumption Cathedral in Bang Rak, Bangkok. 2) The Christian Conference of Thailand will hold a religious service at Bangkok Covenant Church in Bang Kapi, Bangkok, and on Saturday, October 24, 2026. 3) The Church of Christ in Thailand will hold a remembrance ceremony at the 75th Anniversary Building of the Church of Christ in Thailand in Chiang Mai Province. 4) The Thailand Baptist Missionary Fellowship Foundation will hold worship services in Khon Kaen Province and Bangkok. 5) The Seventh-day Adventist Mission Foundation of Thailand will hold a service at the Muak Lek Camp in Saraburi Province.
Brahmin-Hindu (Saturday, October 24, 2026): 1) The Court Brahmins Office of the Royal Household will conduct a religious ceremony at the Devasathan (Brahmin Temple) for the capital in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok.
