Phuket’s annual Heroines Festival honours historical defenders

Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat officiated a ceremony yesterday at Wat Mueang Komaraphat, in Tambon Thepkrasattri, Thalang, in honour of Phuket’s revered Heroines, Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sri Soonthorn, who were instrumental in defending the island against Burmese intruders in 1785.

Initiated at 5.30pm, the ceremony was marked by a procession that kicked off from the Ban Khian shrine and ended at the temple. The attendees were entertained by a variety of cultural presentations such as Thep Banterng and Chuichai dance performances.

The Thalang Women’s Group reenacted the Thalang battle, adding to the grandeur of the event. The students from Mueang Thalang School further enhanced the spectacle with their captivating Manora dance.

A group of 25 distinguished individuals participated in the event, which included the presentation of offerings and a candlelight ceremony led by Governor Sophon.

The ceremony was a part of the annual three-day Heroines Festival, which kicked off yesterday. A formal laying of wreaths at the Heroines Monument is scheduled for today, reported The Phuket News.

The widely-attended festival, hosted at Victory Field in Thalang, is set to start tonight. The event will showcase a light and sound show, which will add to the allure of the historical drama being performed live on stage. The festival also features hundreds of stalls selling local delicacies.

In related news, Phuket’s renowned Heroines Festival is gearing up for its annual celebration, set to take place between March 9 and March 23. At the heart of the event lies a tribute to the island’s celebrated heroines, Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Sri Soonthorn, locally known as Chan and Mook.

These two figures are revered for their valiant efforts in leading the local people to thwart a Burmese invasion in 1785 – a feat that has been commemorated in Phuket for centuries.

The Victory Field in Thalang, the traditional venue for the festival, will once again play host to the grand event. The final plans for the festival were solidified at a recent meeting at the Phuket Provincial Hall, presided over by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat.