Queen Mother of Thailand
Learn about the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, and how daily life in Thailand changes during the mourning period. The lesson opens with an archival speech from the Queen Mother herself, then explores royal vocabulary, polite ways to talk about death, the royal projects she founded, and why her birthday is celebrated as Mother’s Day in Thailand. You’ll also learn about mourning customs like wearing black and white, lowering flags to half-mast, and toning down entertainment.
Thai Vocabulary:
ราชาศัพท์ (raa-chaa-sàp) – Royal vocabulary
สวรรคต (sà-wǎn-kót) – To pass away (for royalty)
ประชวร (prà-chuan) – To be ill (for royalty)
พรรษา (pan-sǎa) – Years of age (for royalty) / Years as a monk
ไว้ทุกข์ (wái túk) – To be in mourning
ถนอมน้ำใจ (tà-nǒm nám-jai) – To spare someone’s feelings