The ceremony commenced with a procession from the Baan Kian Shrine to the temple, followed by a religious ceremony.
Various performances, including traditional dances by local administrative organisations, welcomed the governor. Highlights included the ‘Yodnarisri Thalang’ Dab Dance by people from the Baan Kian Community Tourism Enterprise Group, ‘Phuket Rueangrong’ by Muang Thalang School, ‘Hometown’ by Ratchaprachanukroh School, and the ‘Baisi Dance’ by Ratsada Municipality Elderly School.
A key part of the event involved the laying of offering trays by ceremony organisers. The governor then lit candles at the Chaturamuk Pavilion, followed by speeches from Thalang District Chief Siwat Rawangkun and Governor Sophon.
Amnuay Khumban, a former Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO) councilor and local media celebrity, led an incantation to invite the spirits of the Thalang’s ancestors, ‘Phi Lang’.
Further rituals included a Brahmin-led ceremony by Phra Khru Thepachariya, a traditional Manora dance, a sword-inviting ritual and a banana and sugarcane tree-cutting ceremony.
The event concluded with a distribution of offering food to participants, which included a host of VIPS, including the Governor’s wife, Ms Busadee, as well as Phuket’s two current Vice Governors and leading representatives from government offices and agencies across the island.
The tribute ceremony commemorated the historic Battle of Thalang in 1785, where Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Sri Sunthon led local forces to victory against Burmese mauarauders. Wat Muang Komanraphat, the ceremony’s location, was a key training ground during the battle.
The Governor invited residents and tourists to take part in the annual Heroines festival, which gets underway at Thalang Memorial Park tonight.
The event will feature the traditional historical drama light and sound show, as well as shadow puppetry, Manora performances, local games, cultural displays and an OTOP market of hundreds of vendors showcasing Phuket’s traditional foods and handicrafts.