Bangkok: Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana has generously provided black sarongs, cloth bags, and ribbon brooches for the public to borrow and wear as they pay their respects to the royal urn of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother.

According to Thai News Agency, Her Royal Highness appointed representatives General Siva Bhramoratat and Mrs. Sarinda Chamaramana to present these royal gifts to Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, the Governor of Bangkok, at Bangkok City Hall. The gifts include 2,000 black sarongs, shoe bags, and black ribbon brooches, intended for Thai women and foreign tourists to wear before paying respects at Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall.

Her Royal Highness recognized the challenges faced by those traveling to pay their respects, such as inappropriate attire or financial constraints. To address this, she commissioned the Support Foundation to produce the attire, featuring a design by Her Royal Highness herself. The sarongs are plain black, straight-cut, and easy to wear, suitable for entering the royal palace grounds.

The black ribbon brooches, adorned with artificial flowers like “Mogra Rachini” and “Mani Deva,” symbolize mourning and remembrance. These flowers hold significance as they were bestowed by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.

In 2016, Princess Sirivannavari also donated black sarongs for the public to borrow when paying respects to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration continues to offer these sarongs for public use during the current period of mourning.

“Queen’s Jasmine,” a rare plant unique to Thailand, and “Mani Deva,” a herbaceous plant, are among the flowers used in the brooches. Both were named in honor of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and reflect her dedication to the conservation of Thailand’s natural flora.