The eponymous Thao Thepkrasattri and Thao Srisoonthorn Festival will held at its traditional home, Thalang Historical Park in Baan Riang, to the west of Thalang, where the legendary stand took place more than two centuries ago.
“In addition to honouring how the heroines Thao Thepkrasattri and Thao Srisoonthorn led the resistance to repel the invaders, the festival aims to educate the younger generations of the two heroines’ patriotism to fight for the land that we live on today,” said Uthai Phatanapichai from the Phuket Culture Office.
As is tradition, the festival will include several key events.
“There will be many activities at the fair, including a Cross Country Bicycling competition for a trophy gifted by HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn,” said Mr Uthai.
There will also be a tour of Thalang’s historic sites, a ceremony to pay homage to Phuket’s ancestors, a mini-marathon along a historical trail and a special wreath-laying ceremony.
“And there will be live entertainment with a special sound-and-light performance, and more,” Mr Uthai said.
On “Descendants Day” March 11, will be a family reunion of the huge kind, with descendants of Phuket’s famed heroines, sisters Thao Thepkrasattri and Thao Srisoonthorn – also fondly known simply as “Chan” and “Mook”, respectively – gathering to honour Phuket’s “first ladies”.
“The reunion will be held at Thalang Historical Park on Friday, March 11, from 4pm-11pm,” said Sutha Prateep Na Thalang, himself a descendant of the sisters and a key organiser of the reunion.
“The grand reunion aims to bring all descendants of Thao Thepkrassattri and Thao Srisoonthorn together to share their opinions, exchange ideas and knowledge to contribute to society and to honour Thalang’s two famed heroines,” he said.
Phuket has more than 25 extended families of the two heroines, Mr Sutha said. Of those, 15 family names recognised as descendants of the heroines are: Prateep Na Thalang, NaThalang, Jindaphol, Na Takuatung, Rattanadilok Na Phuket, Jantarotwong, Chaweewongprateep, Srisamuth, Srisawad, Lerkthalang, ThienThalang, Cheunaka, Thepsakul, Aupatham and Mallakanon.
“Also at this event, in the morning, there will be a religious ceremony to honour all the heroes and heroines of the Thalang battle. The ceremony will be held at 8am and a blessing ceremony for the elders held at 5pm on that day,” Mr Sutha.
“Entertainment on the night will include performances by students from Thalang School and Satree Phuket School, as well as by the descendants themselves and live music from the Kiti Na Thalang Band,” Mr Sutha said.”
For more information call Mr Sutha at 081-0786713.