Biography of the Heroines - Heroines Of Phuket

The Heroines (Biography)

The heroines full names are Thao Thep Krasatri, and Thao Sri Soonthorn, also know as Lady Chan and Lady mook. Lady Chan is the elder sister of them both. she was born as a courageous, intelligent and beautiful woman and was loved very dearly by her two parents. After that, Lady Chan got married and had the marriage arranged by her parents. She was married to a man named Mom Pakdibhuthorn, which was her first husband. She gave birth to two children called Miss Prang and Mr. Thien. However, after Mr.Thiens birth, Mom Pakdibhuthorn sadly passed away, so she became a widow. She re married again with another man named Pimon-Aya (Khan) and gave birth to two more children. Lady Chan took care most of their family businesses when her parents became old, especially in Thalang. Lady Mook, who was also a courageous and intelligent woman, was also born after Lady Chan, however there is no record of whom she married.

After the father of Lady Chan and Lady Mook died, Pimon-Aya (Khan) took his place as the Governor of Thalang. Lady Chan was appointed as an assistant to the Governer. Thalang was at piece, however not many years later, the Governer died, which wasn't the best timing at all for the people of Thalang, because not long after, the Burmese troops came to invade Thalang again. Thalang had no leader and were at total chaos, when lady Chan and Lady Mook had an idea to gather all the people together to form an army, including woman that were to be dressed as men, and they were to protect Thalang from the invasion.

The war lasted about 1 month while the people of Thalang has driven them off. The Burmese also had a lack of food and were short of supplies. The Burmese had finally retreated on Monday March 13, 1785 , which was later called the Thalang glorious day, and there is also a festival for this day. After the war was finally over, King Rhama had heard about Lady Chan and Lady Mook of them being courageous and defending Thalang. Hebestowed nobel titles upon Lady Jan, Thao Thep Krasatri, and Lady Mook, Thao Sri Soonthorn. The two ladies then ruled over Thalang and Thalang has been at piece ever since.

Franics Light - The Heroines of Phuket

Defending Thalang and Francis Light

Francis light is the founder of the British colony of Malaysia. He was born in an Ancient Town called Woodbridge at County Suffolk England. The actual birth date of Francis light was actually unknown but his Baptism date was recorded at 15 Dec 1740. Francis light sailed to Madras, India to take control of trade for the British. He then was sent to Kedah to overlook the trade at the region. In 1786 he took possesions of Penang after he promise Kedah that he will supply forces to defend them from their enemies. He married Martina Rozells whom he met during his mission to Phuket. Francis Light died from malaria attack on 21 October 1794.

 Francis light came to Phuket in 1785 and on his way, warned the Siames on Phuket of an imminent Burmese attack. Francis's light warning that was given out to Phuket enabled the Phuket people to prepare for a battle, instead of not being prepared for the Burmese attack at all.
 
In the 18th century, Thalang (Phuket) wasn't at peace because of their neighboring country, Burma. In 1767 King Taksin had already driven out the Burmese invaders and successfully defended his capital Ayutthaya by the fierce Burmese army that attacked. However, the Burmese did not want to admit defeat and did not give up, that after 18 years later, they have come back to give their revenge and take over. That is when Francis light saw what was happening and sent a letter to Phuket warning them of the Burmese. The two heroines then took action and defended their country.

The Monument - The Phuket Heroines

The Monument

 
These statues are dedicated to two brave sisters Thao Thep Kasattre and Thao Sri Soontorn who were the daughters of the Thalang Governor. .
This monument represents the bravery of the two sisters who lead the women of Phuket to disguise in army uniforms and trick the enemy (the Burmese army).
The monuments are placed at the traffic roundabout on Thepkasatri Road.

After the sisters succesfully managed to drive the Burmese army away, King Rama 1 awarded Kunying Chan with the royally bestowed title of ‘Thao Thep Kasattri' and her sister Mook, Thao Sri Suntorn. Some years later, to mark this momentous period in Thailand’s history, a monument was created on Phuket's Thepkassatri road. As you look at the statue you will see two brave young women standing proudly and ready to defend Phuket anytime. There is also a festival to represent the proud sisters during 13-15 March.

This monument was built by local residents, and opened on 23 May 1967. The Locals usually bring flowers to pay respect to the monument and wish for lucks.

There is a small shrine at the base of the monument where the people come to pay respect and bring flowers. For many locals it is traditional to visit the monument and ask them for good luck before leaving the island. Students who want to do well with their education and is about to enter an examination would also go there to pay respect and wish for good luck. Also as many locals pass by with the car or a vehicle, they would wai (an act of putting the hands together to show respect) because it is traditional and also respectful to do so.

The Heroines Of Phuket - Short Summary

The heroines of Phuket

The two well known sister (Lady Chan and Lady Mook) were born into the head of Baan Kien family.

In the early 1785, Burmese troops came to invade Phuket and instead of running away, Chan and Mook decided to gather many people together, including women disguised as men, and fight back scaring off the soldiers.
This was an amazing role and event for Thai women, who were only expected to be house wives and take care of the children. This gave men a different point of view to women and changed the lifestyle of many women in Thailand.

In march 1785, They managed to win the war, not by force but by smarter strategies.
After the war, King Rhama showed his appreciation to the two sisters by giving them the honorary tittles of Thao Thepkasattri and Thao Sri Sunthorn.



In 1793, Lady Chan and Lady Mook passed away.


In 1909, A monument was built for the sisters and is now located at the traffic roundabout on Thepkasattri road in Thalang, which has now become a very well known landmark.