The Heroines’ Festival is Phuket’s homage to sisters Thao Sri Soonthorn and Thao Thep Krasattri. The duo were instrumental in rallying local soldiers and residents against a Burmese invasion in 1785. Thalang Park was the setting for some of the more heroic moments in the fight.
Phuket Culture Office spokesperson Uthai Phatanapichai explained that the festival was designed to give insights into the struggle the two heroines and their compatriots endured to ensure Phuket remained free. He further stated that the festival would stage diverse events and activities as was the case in previous years.
Competitors will compete for a royal trophy in a cross-country cycling contest while a mini-marathon will see runners follow a course taking in local landmarks. Guided tours will cover all of Thalang’s key locations and wreath-laying rites will remember Phuket’s historic luminaries.
The 11 March is Descendants Day and descendants of the two women will attend a gathering in their honour. Mr Phatanapichai noted that live entertainment acts and sound-and-light-shows would be staged during the evenings until the festival’s closing date on 19 March.
The Heroines’ Monument was erected beside one of Phuket’s key highways a number of years ago. Travellers taking taxis or buses from Phuket Airport to Phuket Old Town will espy the duo perched on a pedestal beside Highway 402.
Final preparations underway for annual Phuket heroes festival
News in Asia
Final preparations are in progress for an annual Phuket festival staged in honour of two remarkable women who lived more than 200 years ago. The venue for the fest, which launches on Saturday, is Thalang Historical Park on the west coast of the Thai holiday isle.