Thao Thepkasattri-Thao Sri Suntorn Festival is one of the island’s major festivals and covers many cultural and sporting activities in one go. The festival features bicycle racing, a takraw (volleyball played with the feet) tournament, tug-o’-war, a mini-marathon as well as an uppasombot moo (Buddhist ordination) ceremony. The highlight of the festival is a spectacular historical show about the history of Phuket. Back over 200 years ago, two heroic sisters Thao Thep Krasatri and Thao Sri Suntorn rallied the islanders to defend Phuket from Burmese troops. The open-air play with a cast of 700 actors runs three nights, starting at 19:00 at the Thalang Victory Memorial Field.
The event caters mainly for locals but foreign visitors are encouraged to go along. The organizers invite nearby hotels to bring their guests to this free-entrance festival but an interpreter might be necessary to help you appreciate it better. Some are quite unique and rare that even new-generation Thais might never have experienced them before. Such activities include Thai boxing’s wai kru ceremony (a demonstration of respect and gratitude of boxers to their teachers), a sword dancing show, shadow puppet shows and traditional lullaby singing. Lots of local cuisine and ‘OTOP’ products (such as batik, silk and wooden decorative items) are on display and for sale at the fair, too.
Date: March 2012 – Dates to be Announced
Location: Thalang Victory Memorial Field, Heroine’s Monument and Wat Pranangsang, all in the Thalang area
For more information: +66 (0) 76-211877, +66 (0) 76-211866
Phuket Festival
