The day’s events began at 6:19am with the ‘Cycling with the Heroines to Protect Thalang Town’ procession, a symbolic journey retracing key historical routes.
Presided over by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat, the event took place at the historical site of the Pak Phra Camp (Phaya Inthawongsa Camp) in Baan Tha Noon, Takua Thung District, Phang Nga.
Jiamjit Sirisawat, President of the Phuket Women Volunteer Defense Association, reflected on the region’s strategic importance throughout history, noting its value to foreign powers such as Portugal, Holland, France and England.
She highlighted how King Taksin the Great appointed Chao Phaya Inthawongsa to safeguard the Andaman region, establishing Pak Phra Camp as a crucial military base. Pak Phra is the name of the strait separating Phuket from the mainland.
Governor Sophon led the release of cyclists carrying three flags ‒ the Thai national flag, the Thalang Victory Flag and the Peace Friendship Flag.
The procession passed through significant locations, across Thao Thep Krasattri Bridge and through Mai Khao, Nai Yang, Baan Phru Champa, Baan Riang and finally arrived at the Thalang Victory Memorial at Phuket Historical Park in Thalang, where the flag-raising ceremony took place.
At 6:29am, a ceremony was held to unveil a 1,400-year-old statue of ‘Phra Narai’ (King Narai). The ritual, led by Prof Warunrit, was accompanied by a moment of silence to honour the late Asst Prof Sommai Pin Phutthasin, a distinguished academic who significantly contributed to Phuket’s historical and cultural preservation.
Governor Sophon emphasised the significance of the ceremony in reinforcing the region’s historical importance and its peaceful legacy.
“With the wisdom of our ancestors, this land has become a haven of peace. The Thalang War of 1785 marked the beginning of the development of the eight Andaman cities, including Phuket, Phang Nga and Ranong, transforming the region into an internationally trusted and cherished destination.
“May the Friendship of Peace flag continue to symbolise peace for generations to come,” he stated.