Thailand's former Queen Sirikit, mother of the current King Vajiralongkorn and wife of the nation's longest-reigning monarch, passed away on Friday at the age of 93. Her death follows a period of illness, including a blood infection this month, according to the palace statement.

• Sirikit died at 93 years old at Chulalongkorn hospital in Bangkok.
• The royal family has commenced a year-long mourning period.
• Referred to as the "Mother of the Nation," Sirikit's birthday was designated as Thailand's Mothers' Day.