The Brave Heroine Of Northeast Thailand

Prince Anuwongse, also known as Prince Anu, ofslipped away and released all the male prisoners
Laos wanted to free Vientiane from subordinationwho killed the drunk soldiers and set free the
to Bangkok. This was during the reign of Kingremaining prisoners.
Rama III. Prince Anu had got help from KingThe two Thai armies from Korat and Sara Buri
Rama III in his rule of Vientiane andpursued Prince Anu who fled to Vietnam. The
notwithstanding this, in 1827 Prince Anu rebelledThai armies on seeing this occupied Vientiane. In
against Bangkok capturing Korat (Nakhonrecognition of her bravery, King Rama III
Ratchasima) while his forward troops ransackedhonoured Mo as Thao Suranari.
Sara Buri. The residents of both town wereTo this day Thao Suranari is revered amongst
captured and taken as prisoners.the Thai people for bravery. This is particularly
During his return journey, Prince Anu wastrue in northeast where people consider
attacked by the prisoners. Among the prisoners,themselves to be her descendants. They call her
there were two who would help to free theGrandma Mo or Ya Mo in Thai out of respect. A
captured prisoners and they were the Deputystatue of Thao Suranari has been erected in
Governor and his wife, Mo. Mo arranged theKorat which is worshipped by people from all
women prisoners to use their feminine wileswalks of life. Every year in late March or early
against the Laotian troops. The women managedApril, a ten day Thao Suranari Fair is held as mark
to get the entire troop drunk and then theyof respect and honour.