Thailand: Heroines' Monument, Thalang, Phuket Province

Rama I's Chakri dynasty met its first great test in the massive Burmese invasion of 1785. King Bodawpaya of Burma (1781-1819) sent more than 100,000 troops in five armies against Siam. The Burmese forces that invaded southern Thailand enjoyed initial success but were halted at Thalang, in central Phuket, by the bravery of the local defenders.

Two sisters - Chan, or 'Date Plum', and Muk, or 'Pearl', the widow and sister-in-law of the late governor, organised the resistance by ordering the local women to cut their hair short and dress as men. When the Burmese commander saw the defences, he was fooled into thinking Thalang had many more soldiers than was actually the case!

The court in Bangkok, on learning of the two sister's brave action, distinguished them with royal titles. Miss Chan was named Thepkasatri, or 'Angelic Queen', and Miss Muk became Si Sunthorn, or 'Goddess of Beauty'. Today they are still seen as local folk heroes and spiritual guardians of the island. They stand together on the Heroine's Monument at Thepkasatri Road, brandishing long swords towards any future invaders of the island.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia