Thao Thepkasattri-Thao Sri Suntorn Festival - Phuketindex.com

March 2014 will see Phuket hold yet another of its annual cultural events, the 2014 Thao Thepkasattri-Thao Sri Suntorn Festival, which aims to educate the younger generations about the brave deeds performed by Thao Thepkasattri and Thao Srisunthorn who rallied the islanders to defend Phuket from Burmese troops.

The highlight of the festival is a spectacular historical show about the history of Phuket. Over 200 years ago, two sisters Thao Thep Krasatri and Thao Sri Suntorn rallied the islanders to defend Phuket from Burmese troops. The open-air re-enactment of the event with a cast of 300 actors runs for three nights during the festival, starting at 19:00 at the Thalang Victory Memorial Field.

The lighting and sound effects are impressive and each year the audience cannot help but admire the vibrant sound of thunder and big guns.

The festival also features bicycle racing, a takraw (volleyball played with the feet) tournament, a tug o' war, a mini-marathon as well as an 'uppasombot moo' (Buddhist ordination) ceremony.

Other activities include a Thai boxing 'wai kru' ceremony (a demonstration of respect by boxers to their teachers), a sword-dancing show, shadow puppet shows and traditional lullaby singing. There's also lots of local cuisine and 'OTOP' products (such as batik, silk and wooden decorative items) are for sale at the fair, too.

Event dates:

March 1 - 15 Mass ordination
March 7 - 9 Historical tour of Thalang
March 9 Sports events on Thalang historical route
March 12 Memorial rite to the brave ancestors of Thalang at Muang Komarapat Temple
March 13 Wreath laying at the Two Heroines Monument in Thalang
March 13 - 15 Grand sound and light historical drama at Thalang Chanasuk Memorial Field