Queen Sirikit's colourful life in pictures

[Jennifer]

The Mother of Thailand, Queen Sirikit, turns 83 today, August 12th, and in celebration we've gathered some of the best pictures taken of the Queen from all the way back to the early fifties, after her marriage to King Bhumibol in 1950.

Queen Sirikit and King Bhumibol's love is infamous and tells a tale about a young couple that met in the romantic city of Paris and how their love blossomed and was nearly snatched from them when the young King suffered a serious car accident while driving on the road towards Lausanne in Switzerland, where he studied at the time.

The accident cost him the sight in his right eye, and as he lay in the hospital bed with his face smashed to pieces, young Mom Rajawongse gave him support with her frequent visits. Their love grew increasingly deeper and in 1949 their engagement was announced. On April 28th 1950, the couple married and earlier this year they celebrated 65 years as husband and wife.

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GALLERY: Queen Sirikit's colourful life in pictures | Royalista

[Jennifer]

Thai people celebrate the nation's mother Queen Sirikit

Buddhist monks, politicians, baby elephants and people from all walks of life are celebrating the birthday of their beloved mother — Queen Sirikit who turns 83 today, August 12th.

But Queen Sirikit, who is considered the Mother of the Nation, isn't the only mother being celebrated today. In 1976, Mother's Day was moved forward from April 15th to the day of Queen Sirikit's birthday in honour of the revered Queen.

In celebration of Her Majesty, Thai citizens, including Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-Ocha, has been offering alms to monks this week.

Read more:
http://royalista.com/113489/thai-people-celebrate-nations-mother-queen-sirikit/