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Date: 23 March – 3 April, 2018
Venue: Areas near the Suranaree Monument in front of Nakhon Ratchasima’s City Hall


The event this year will begin with the ceremonial lighting of an opening flame. This will be followed by a colourful cultural procession, during which dances will be performed to pay homage to Thao Suranaree, whose clever ruses helped fight off the armies of Lao King, Anouvong when he invaded Siam in 1826. After the parades, there will be firework displays held at the city’s four ancient gates followed by a solemn ceremony to pay respects to this powerful queen at the Suranaree Monument.

There will be a great deal to see throughout the course of the 12-day event, with activities such as a Ya Mo sports competition, beauty contests and singing competition, silk making and drawing competitions, cat shows and cultural performances, exhibitions and concerts from well-known artists. In addition, there will be a mock-up of an ancient market, which is sure to fascinate lovers of history, as well as more modern stalls selling One-Tambon-One-Product (OTOP) goods. And, for visitors not familiar with the story of Ya Mo, there will be a spectacular light and sound presentation that will bring her fascinating tale to life.

The The Thao Suranaree (Ya Mo) festival is the biggest event in Nakhon Ratchasima’s calendar and is free to everyone who wants to join.

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Map showing location of Suranaree Monument:

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Richard Barrow in Thailand
Preparations are under way for today’s main event at Thao Suranari monument in Khorat. A red carpet has been laid down around the monument for 5,000 dancers.





Richard Barrow in Thailand
The highlight of the opening day of the Thao Suranari Memorial Fair in Khorat was a traditional Isaan dance by 5,000 local women. #Thailand





Richard Barrow in Thailand
Parade in front of the Thao Suranari monument in Khorat this afternoon marking the start of the 12 day and 12 night festival celebrating this Thai heroine #Thailand

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