Thao Suranari is the title of Lady Mo, (also known as Ya Mo (1771–1852), who was the wife of the deputy governor of Nakhon Ratchasima, the stronghold for Siamese control over its Laotian vassals, at the time of the Vientiane King Anouvong's attack on Korat in 1826. Anuvong's forces seized the town and evacuated the town's inhabitants. Lady Mo is credited as the leader who saved the city by harassing the invading force. Varying stories describe her plot of getting the invading soldiers drunk, or leading a rebellion of captured prisoners on the route back to Vientiane. Consequently Lao troops were dispersed, and forced to retreat quickly. Eventually, Bangkok sent troops led by General Sing Singhaseni who defeated Anuvong with the total destruction of Vientiane. The Title Thao Suranari (or Lady Suranari – The Brave Lady) was awarded to her by King Rama III in recognition for her bravery.
A statue of Thao Suranari stands in the centre of Nakhon Ratchasima city, and is a popular object of devotion, while a festival in her honour is held in the city at the end of March and the beginning of April each year. The statue was designed by Phra Thewaphinimmit (1888–1942) and sculpted by Silpa Bhirasri. Bhirasri's was an Italian, whose real name was Corrado Feroci. Feroci came to Thailand in 1923, upon invitation to teach art. His name was changed to Bhirasri after Italy surrendered to that Allies during WWII. This was done to avoid arrest by the Japanese forces which occupied Thailand the time. The Thao Suranari statue was erected next to the Chumphon gate on January 15, 1934.
Thao Suranari Monument is a memorial by locals, and was built in 1933. The local people come from other provinces as well to pay homage here and ask for blessings. Amiley sent me this nice card.
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