“The Thung Samrit Memorial was built to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of Thao Suranari (Ya Mo), Miss Bunlue, and the Korat heroes who fought together against the Vientiane army and achieved victory at Thung Samrit.”

The Thung Samrit Memorial serves as a sacred and historically pivotal area in the military history of the people of Korat. It is situated in a wide open field near Ban Samrit, Phimai District. The key event that etched this field into history was the immense and selfless struggle of the Nakhon Ratchasima townspeople who had been rounded up by the army of King Anouvong of Vientiane around the year 1826 (during the reign of King Rama III). After capturing Nakhon Ratchasima city, King Anouvong ordered the evacuation of people and property to Vientiane, and the convoy paused at this very field, Thung Samrit.

Under the leadership of Thao Suranari (Khunying Mo), who was the governor's wife at the time, she devised a brilliant plan to rally the spirits and forces of the captured people. She strategically provoked the Lao soldiers into a state of negligence and intoxication with alcohol. When she saw the Lao forces were unprepared and lacked caution, Thao Suranari signaled the Korat townspeople held as prisoners to rise up and fight simultaneously on the night of the second day of the waning moon in the 4th lunar month of 1826. The battle proceeded fiercely and bravely. Nang Sao Boonlua, another brave heroine, showed the ultimate sacrifice by secretly setting fire to the carts carrying gunpowder and military equipment of the Lao soldiers. This caused immense chaos and was a crucial turning point in the battle. As a result, the Korat people successfully defeated King Anouvong's forces and liberated themselves from captivity.

Today, the Thung Samrit Battle Monument is not just a memorial site; it is a symbol of patriotism, unity, and bravery. Within the area, a shrine has been constructed to house the spirits of Thao Suranari and Nang Sao Boonlua, allowing tourists and devotees to pay their respects up close. In particular, the statue of Nang Sao Boonlua, standing resolutely with a torch, is a highly inspiring sight for visitors. Furthermore, there is an exhibition building and the Thung Samrit Sub-district Local Museum, which compiles information and historical artifacts related to the heroic event, as well as traditional household items from the past, serving as a comprehensive learning center for local history and culture. Every year in March, this area is the main location for the Thung Samrit Heroism Commemoration Event, a major provincial activity to honor this courageous historical event.


How to Get There
  • From Nakhon Ratchasima Province, take Highway No. 2 (Mittraphap-Nong Khai Road) straight for approximately 43-45 kilometers. Before reaching Phimai District, there will be a U-turn point to cross to the opposite side. The memorial will be on the left.

Travel Tips
  • It is recommended to visit the museum together with the nearby Samrit Subdistrict Folk Museum to fully learn about the history and local way of life.

  • You can offer flowers, incense, and candles to pay homage to the spirits of Thao Suranari and Miss Bunlue.

  • For group travel, please contact the Samrit Subdistrict Administrative Organization in advance.


Admission Fees:

  • Free admission

Opening Hours:

  • Open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Thung Samrit Memorial

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Ban Samrit, Village No. 1, Samrit Subdistrict, Phimai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province 30110 Map

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Closed today

Mon8.30 - 17.00
Tue8.30 - 17.00
Wed8.30 - 17.00
Thu8.30 - 17.00
Fri8.30 - 17.00
Sat8.30 - 17.00
Sun8.30 - 17.00

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Ban Prasat Archaeological Site Ban Prasat Archaeological Site

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Distance 4.13 Kilometer