“Thalang, the former capital of Phuket, is a great source of learning. It is a good opportunity to see what happened with our hometown in the past,” Sommai Pinphutsin, a local teacher who has spent more than 30 years teaching Thalang history to students, says.
Mr Sommai suggests beginning a tour of Thalang at Phra Nang Sang temple to learn about the rich and colourful history of the area.
Phra Nang Sang temple is located on Thepkrassattri Rd at Baan Kien intersection.
The old temple marks the spot of the famous battle against Burmese invaders in 1785, where the people of Thalang managed to repel the invasion. The temple used to be called the Takien temple, and was built by Mahsuri – the “white blooded princess” at the centre of a tragic legend on the Malaysian island of Langkawi.
The next place worth a visit is the house of Thao Thepkrassattri and Thao Srisoonthorn, the two sisters featured on the Heroine’s Monument in Thalang who led the defence against the Burmese. Their house is located in Thepkrassattri sub-district.
Also in the area is Muang Komarapaj Temple (Wat Muang), an empty temple which is taken care of by monks from Phra Nang Sang temple. This used to be the place where soldiers were trained before going into battle.
There are more statues of Thao Thepkrassattri and Thao Srisoonthorn located in Wat Muang and Phra Phutta Manee Sri Thalang, which Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn built in 1996.
The other major Thalang historical site is Phuket Historical Park, which sometimes goes by its former name, Royal Field.
A 96 rai area of land now covered with sugar palm trees, this was another site used during the unsuccessful Burmese occupation attempt all those years ago.
These days, a road had been built across the field, so many locals use it as a place of recreation, as well as a place for young people to hone their driving skills.