The Thao Thep Krasattri-Thao Sri Sunthorn Festival celebrates the two sisters, Chan and Mook, who led the fighters of Phuket in repelling the Burmese.
The decisive battle against the Burmese took place on March 13, after which the invaders withdrew.
Most events centre on the Heroines Monument on Thepkrasattree Rd and on the Thalang Historical Park in Baan Riang, to the west of Thalang (map below). They are as follows:
March 2, 7 am: Group ordination of monks at Wat Manik.
March 3, 6 am: Newly ordained monks receive food offerings at the Heroines Monument.
March 9, 6 am: Newly ordained monks receive food offerings at Queen Sirikit Park, Phuket Town.
March 10, 6 am: Newly ordained monks receive food offerings in the Kathu District area; start of mini-marathon and cross-country race at Thalang Historical Park, taking runners to various historical landmarks.
March 12, 9 am: Ritual ceremony to honour the Thalang heroes and heroines at Wat Muang Komarapat at Baan Riang.
March 13, 9:09 am: Wreath laying ceremony for Thao Thep Krasattri and Tao Sri Sunthorn, at the Heroines monument at the monument; 5 pm to midnight: Sale of local food and OTOP products at Thalang Historical Park; 5 pm to 6:30 pm: Para-motor show at Thalang Historical Park; 7 pm to midnight: Traditional show at Thalang Historical Park. The entertainment will include a traditional shadow puppet show, along with Manora, Rong-Ngeng and Tang Yong show (traditional southern Thai dances). 8:30 – 11pm: Thai Boxing Show and reenactment of Thalang history.
March 14-15, 5 pm to midnight: Sale of local food and OTOP products at Thalang Historical Park; 5 pm to 6:30 pm: Para-motor show at Thalang Historical Park; 7 pm to midnight: Traditional show at Thalang Historical Park. The entertainment will include a traditional shadow puppet show, along with Manora, Rong-Ngeng and Tang Yong show (traditional southern Thai dances).
From March 3 to 17, anyone may join Buddhist study and practice sessions at Wat Ta Rua, and from March 6 to 10, allcomers are invited to join tours of the historical places in Thalang, including Thalang Museum, Wat Phra Nang Sang, Nob Nang Dag (a weir made by the heroines around the time of the war against the Burmese), the Heroines’ house, Thalang Historical Park and Wat Muang Komarapat, where the Heroines are believed to have drilled soldiers before the fighting.
For further information call the Phuket Culture Office at 076-223-617
During the Battle of Thalang events, there will also be a series of Thai country music performances organised by R Siam Music Co.
The performances will be as follows: March 16, Yim R-Siam; March 17, Au Panthong R-Siam; March 18, Looknam R-Siam; March 19, Aof Dokfah R-Siam; March 20, Korn Ta-Kae; March 21, Tohpu R-Siam; and March 22, Ying Thitikarn.
On March 24 and 25 a beauty contest for the title “Thida Thao Thep” (Daughter of Thao Thep) will be staged by Sri Sunthorn Municipality.
These events will take place on the field between the Heroines Monument and Thalang Museum.