Phuket’s annual Battle of Thalang festival returns

PHUKET: The annual Battle of Thalang festival begins at Victory Memorial Field tonight, marking Phuket’s stand against Burmese invaders at the site 229 years ago.

The Victory Memorial Field recently received a 26-million-baht makeover and welcomed the addition of 2.5-meter-tall statues cast in bronze honoring the Nine Heroes (story here).

Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut this morning led a wreath-laying ceremony at the Heroines’ Monument (map here) to honor heroines Thao Thepkrasattri and Thao Srisoonthorn, and those who gave their lives in defence of the island.

The large-scale re-enactment of the battle, played out each night of the annual festival, will begin at 8:30pm.

“As always, the re-enactment will include impressive light and sound displays provided by the Phuket Provincial Administration Organization,” Governor Maiti said.

Stalls at the festival grounds will open at 5pm each day, offering amusement rides for children and local food, as well as a huge assortment of local produce and One Tambon One Product (OTOP) goods for sale.

Live entertainment scheduled for the festival is as follows:

March 16-17: Manorah, a form of folk-dance from the south of Thailand, performed by the Kluen Noi Dao Rung dance troupe
March 18: Live music by the Mai Lha band
March 19: Live music by the Boxer band and Pee Teng Srivichai
March 20: Live music by the Laem Sa-Rub-Lai band
March 21: Live music by the Chai-Lai band
March 22: Live music by Ao Veanlan, Wong Klom and the 9 Step bands
March 23: Nang Talung (shadow puppet) performances by Nong Deaw and live Thai country music by Sompong Wonglukklak
March 24-25: Miss Thao Thepkrasattri and Thao Srisoonthorn beauty pageant

— Pannaphak Takrue