Thalang Victory Field

While it’s true Phuket is not a very large island, measuring only 576 square kilometres, what it lacks in size it makes up for in history and culture. One of the most significant event in Phuket’s history is the Battle Of Thalang, during the Nine Armies Wars where “two heroines” (Khun Jan and Khun Mook) helped protect  the province from the Burmese invasion in 1785. The battle was fought in what is now known as the Thalang Victory Field.

As the Burmese got wind of the demise of the Siamese military governor they started planning an attack in hopes of seizing Phuket  (known then as Thalang). A British captain was sailing past the island when he saw the Burmese army preparing for the invasion; he immediately went to the wife of the deceased governor (Khun Jan) and told her what he saw. Khun Jan and her sister Khun Mook then ordered all the women on the island to dress as soldiers and take position along the city walls which we now know as Thalang Victory Field. The  battle lasted five weeks and in the end the Burmese retreated as the Siamese defenses were too strong to fight off.

For their bravery the King dubbed them Khao Thep Krasattri and Khao Sri Suntan. A monument was erected in the Thalang Victory field in their honour, along with 7 other pivotal players in the year long Nine Armies Wars. Of the seven other statues, two are for Phraya Thalang Tongpoona, a military strategist who helped the sisters, and Mae Prang, Thao Thep Krasattri’s daughter.  Two leaders of the Royal Thai Navy who fought against the Burmese during the wars are also depicted by bronze statue in the field.

Located close to the Tesco Lotus Thalang, this culturally rich field is often used for local celebrations and markets. The most notable of these being the Two Heroines Festivals in which the sisters are honoured during a two week  festival that occurs in March every year.