What is Thao Suranaree?

Thao Suranaree (Thai: ท้าวสุรนารี) or Khunying Mo (1772-1852) was the wife of the deputy governor of Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand at the time of King Anouvong's rebellion of 1827. She is credited with saving the city from the rebel army. Varying stories describe her getting the invading soldiers drunk, or leading a rebellion of captured prisoners. The name Thao Suranaree was given to her by King Rama III in recognition of her bravery.

A statue of Thao Suranaree stands in the centre of Nakhon Ratchasima city, and is a popular object of worship, 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. It was erected next to the Chumphon gate on January 5 1934.

As part of a 77 million Baht city center renovation project, dirt and trees are uprooted for the construction of a new tree-lined watercourse, central stage, which includes an upgraded Lady Mo monument and Chumphon Gate rework.

External links

• History of Lady Mo by Khorat Post