In the final years of her life, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn suffered from oral cancer and required a long period of rest and treatment. This caused great concern among the royal family, especially His Royal Highness Prince Krom Luang Songkhla Nakarin, who visited her at her residence daily and appointed Luang Nityavej Wisit as her attending physician.

Her Royal Highness's residence became the largest gathering place for the female members of the royal family and a center of Thai culture for two reigns: the reigns of King Rama VI and Rama VII. She was a source of solace and guidance for the residents of Suan Sunantha until her death at her residence on June 24, 1929, at the age of 66. King Prajadhipok and Queen Rambhai Barni attended the funeral and graciously ordered her body to be placed in the Nongkran Samostorn Throne Hall. His Majesty graciously bestowed a small golden casket for the royal remains, and during the royal cremation ceremony, he also graciously granted a large golden casket, which by royal tradition is used only for the royal remains of the King and Queen, to be used for the royal merit-making ceremony at the crematorium and for the procession of the royal remains to the crematorium at Sanam Luang. This was a great honor bestowed upon her, far exceeding that of any other royal consort.

Chao Chom M.R. Sadab Ladavalya stated, “His Majesty King Prajadhipok bestowed a higher honor upon the royal remains than any other royal consort had ever received. The use of the small golden casket during the placement of the remains and the large golden casket during the procession to the crematorium was on par with that of a Princess who shared the same mother as the King.” “Certainly, His Majesty King Prajadhipok was aware in his heart that Her Royal Highness Princess Vimada had shown great loyalty to the King.” Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn held His Majesty King Chulalongkorn in the highest esteem, and therefore, high honors were bestowed upon her body. While she was still alive, she further demonstrated her devotion by elevating her royal rank to that of Krom Phra (Princess Chulalongkorn) and granting her the title Piyamaharaj Padiwarada, meaning "the loyal and devoted Queen Consort of King Chulalongkorn."

This palace is now preserved as a national historical site and serves as the Cultural Heritage Center, or "Saiyasutthanaphol Building Museum," as a center for information and learning about national arts and culture.

Read more: https://culture.ssru.ac.th/news/view/1582