Nakhon ratchasima: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul watched as his wife led a large group of 7,410 women from Nakhon Ratchasima in a grand rehearsal for the 200th anniversary commemoration of Ya Mo's heroism, before officially opening the event today (March 23, 2026).
According to Thai News Agency, at the Thao Suranari Monument Plaza in Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Mrs. Thanon Nirami, or "Ja," wife of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, along with Ms. Pakhanan Sila-asarn, President of the Nakhon Ratchasima Red Cross, and 7,410 women from Nakhon Ratchasima, participated in a dress rehearsal of the Thao Suranari (Ya Mo) worship dance. This rehearsal precedes the official performance at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Thao Suranari Victory Day celebration, which will take place at 6:30 PM today (March 23, 2026). Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will preside over the opening ceremony.
For this rehearsal, Mr. Anupong Suksomnit, Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, along with many government officials and citizens, watched the dress rehearsal. Meanwhile, Mr. Anutin watched his wife and the women of Nakhon Ratchasima practice the dance with admiration, near the Thao Suranari (Ya Mo) Monument. He was welcomed by Mrs. Yolda Wangsupakitkosol, President of the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Administrative Organization, who also watched the rehearsal.
This year's celebration of the Victory Day of Thao Suranari is particularly significant as it marks the 200th anniversary of the heroic deeds of Thao Suranari, or Ya Mo. The grand event will be held under the theme "200 Years of Renowned Heroism, Unwavering Faith," from March 23rd to April 3rd, 2026 (12 days and 12 nights), at the Thao Suranari Monument and the grounds in front of the Provincial Hall. Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, the Princess Royal, will graciously attend the ceremony, which will include a dance performance honoring Thao Suranari, with 7,410 women from Nakhon Ratchasima participating. This number is considered auspicious and represents the 74th birthday of His Majesty King Rama X in 2026.
Furthermore, the opening ceremony was officially presided over by Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul. Four prominent figures from Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) carried the torches to light fireworks at the four corners of the city: Sunaree Ratchasima, a famous country singer and TV host; Lieutenant Colonel Udomporn Pholsak, former Thai national weightlifter and Olympic gold medalist; Wilawan Apinyapong (Captain Gift), former captain of the Thai women's national volleyball team and one of the legendary "7 Sages"; and Captain Supakan Yaemthai, a military nurse who served at the field hospital in Kantaralak District, Sisaket Province, during the Thai-Cambodian conflict.
The 2026 Thao Suranari Victory Day celebration is being held to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of Thao Suranari, or Ya Mo, a heroine who is the heart and soul of the people of Korat. This special celebration marks the 200th anniversary of her victory in 2026, a year of resounding heroism. The event aims to showcase faith and gratitude to Ya Mo's descendants and the public, and to continue local traditions and culture, such as the grand worship ceremony and traditional dance. The event features food and souvenir stalls from famous shops, OTOP (One Tambon One Product) goods, Red Cross stalls, a spectacular light and sound show titled "My Grandmother's Name is Ya Mo: The 200th Anniversary Promise," drone light and sound shows, retro Thai dance performances, Muay Thai boxing, and musical performances by famous artists throughout the event.