#TodayInHistory May 31, 1880: The Demise of Her Majesty Queen Sunandha Kumariratana, The Royal Consort
Her Majesty Queen Sunandha Kumariratana, The Royal Consort—widely remembered by the Thai public as "Pra Nang Ruea Lom" (The Sunken Ship Queen)—was a royal daughter of His Majesty King Mongkut (Rama IV) and Her Royal Highness Princess Piyamavadi Sri Bajarindra Mata (Chao Chom Manda Piam). Born on November 10, 1860, she was graciously named "Princess Sunandha Kumariratana" by her royal father.
Later, she became the principal consort of His Majesty King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). The royal couple welcomed their first daughter, Her Royal Highness Princess Kannabhorn Bejaratana, on August 12, 1878.
The tragedy struck on May 31, 1880, during a royal journey to relocate the royal court from Bangkok to the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. The royal barge carrying Queen Sunandha Kumariratana and Princess Kannabhorn Bejaratana accidentally capsized in the Chao Phraya River, near Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi Province.
At that time, an ancient and strict Palace Law dating back to the Ayutthaya period dictated that touching the body of a queen was strictly forbidden, punishable by the execution of the entire family. This royal taboo became a major obstacle to rescue efforts, preventing bystanders from saving them. Consequently, Queen Sunandha Kumariratana and her young daughter tragically drowned.
The Royal Cremation Ceremony was held on March 16, 1881. For the occasion, King Rama V graciously ordered the printing of 10,000 prayer books to be distributed as a royal merit-making gesture. This publication is recognized as Thailand's first-ever funeral memorial book. Furthermore, King Rama V commissioned the construction of the "Queen Sunandha Memorial" at the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace in Ayutthaya as an enduring monument of his love, devotion, and profound grief.
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Source: ThaiPBS
Public Relations Media Produced by: Pechayanat Kontongkham
Public Relations Department, College of Innovation and Management (CIM)