Relive the famous battle at the Don Chedi Memorial and Suphan Buri Red Cross Fair 2018

The Don Chedi Monument in Don Chedi district. PHOTO: THE NATION

(THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Thailand's Suphan Buri province is holding its annual major event, the Don Chedi Memorial and Suphan Buri Red Cross Fair, from now until Feb 1 at the Don Chedi Monument in Don Chedi district. The 15-day event is organised to commemorate the glorious victory of King Naresuan the Great over the Burmese forces.

History has it that in January 1592, King Naresuan the Great of Siam defeated Phra Maha Upparacha, the Burmese Crown Prince, in a royal duel on elephant's back, enabling the Siamese kingdom to regain sovereignty from the occupiers.

The Don Chedi Monument comprises two sites, a royal monument in honour of the Siamese victory and a pagoda enshrining relics.

The Royal Thai Army renovated the pagoda in 1952, building a new 66m-high and 36m-wide structure over the ancient one. The statues of King Naresuan the Great and his elder sister Phra Suphankanlaya are also located in the compound.

A highlight of the festival is the light-and-sound and multimedia mock-up war on elephant's back, with a total of 10 shows being held throughout the two-week-long event.

Showtimes are from Jan 18 to 31 (except Jan 22-24 and Jan 29), from 7 to 8.15pm. Tickets cost 100 baht (about S$4) and can be bought at the event.

Other interesting shows and activities include musical performances, Khon masked dance and a number of contests and competitions, including singing contests and a beauty pageant.

Held concurrently, the Suphan Buri Red Cross Fair 2018 offers visitors a chance to enjoy local Suphan Buri food and desserts, including Thai crispy pancake, pad Thai and herbal drinks, as well as buy bargain items, ranging from clothing to furniture. There are also game tents including balloon darts, bingo and more.

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