The event, highlighted by a large-scale light and sound historical drama, was held at the Thalang Memorial, also known as Thalang Victory Field, in Thalang district.
Organised by the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization (PPAO), the festival marked the 241st anniversary of the heroic stand by the two sisters, locally known as Ya Chan and Ya Muk, who rallied the people of Thalang to repel invading forces and defend the island in 1785.
The opening ceremony on Friday (Mar 13) was presided over by Boonsin Padklang, advisor to the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army and former commander of the 2nd Army Area.
Also attending were Nirat Pongsitthithavorn, Governor of Phuket, Phuket Red Cross President Kusumal Pongsitthithavorn and PPAO President Rewat Areerob, along with representatives from government agencies, the private sector and large numbers of residents and visitors.
The centrepiece of the festival was the historical stage production titled ‘Thao Thep Krasattri – Thao Sri Soonthorn: A Tribute to the Heroes of Thalang’. The performance combined dramatic storytelling with elaborate lighting, sound and visual effects, large-scale stage sets and a cast of hundreds of performers.
Held under the theme ‘Love of Nation, Protection of the Land: Heroines of Thalang’, the production retold the historic defence of Thalang, highlighting the courage, sacrifice and unity shown by the island’s people during the conflict.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Gen Boonsin encouraged people to attend the performance to remember the sacrifices of their ancestors and the role they played in shaping Phuket as it exists today.
Drawing on his own experience during past military service, including overseeing conflict along the Thai-Cambodian border while serving as 2nd Army Region commander, Gen Boonsin said war demands enormous sacrifice and stressed the importance of ensuring younger generations understand the heroism of those who came before them.
The Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization said the annual event plays an important role in preserving and passing on the story of the two heroines and the defence of Thalang to future generations.
Officials noted that the festival not only commemorates the bravery of Phuket’s ancestors but also fosters local pride and strengthens the island’s cultural identity.
In addition to the nightly historical drama, the festival featured a cultural fair showcasing traditional performances, local crafts and regional cuisine.
More than 300 food stalls and vendors were set up around the memorial grounds, offering local dishes and products while drawing large numbers of visitors throughout the three days.
Organisers said the event also serves as a key tourism promotion activity for the province, helping stimulate the local economy while positioning Phuket as a cultural tourism destination at both national and international levels.
The annual Heroines Festival commemorates the historic defence of Thalang in 1785, when Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Sri Sunthorn led local residents in resisting invading forces, a victory widely credited with securing the survival of the settlement that would later become modern-day Phuket.
This year’s festival ran from Mar 13-15 at the Thalang Memorial, attracting thousands of residents and tourists who gathered to honour the legacy of the island’s most celebrated heroines.