Thung Samrit Monument

Thung Samrit Monument marks the site of an 1826 battle in Korat’s Phimai district, where Nakhon Ratchasima residents made their last stand against the retreating army of Chao Anouvong of Vientiane during his rebellion against Rama III. A four-sided Thai-style pavilion, 5 metres on each side, was built here in 1970 to hold the spirit of Nang Bun Lueang and the other townspeople who died defending the position; a statue inside shows her in the act that made her name — setting fire to a cart loaded with the Lao army’s gunpowder. Entry is free, and the grounds are open daily.

Nang Bun Lueang’s story runs alongside the better-known Thao Suranari (Ya Mo) monument in Korat city — both commemorate the same 1826 conflict, when Chao Anouvong’s forces, having taken Nakhon Ratchasima, were pursued and ambushed by local civilians as they withdrew toward Laos. A small building beside the main pavilion displays her history alongside period weapons — spears and swords used in the fighting — plus images of Thao Suranari herself. The site sits in open ground near kilometre 43-44 on Highway 2 toward Phimai, with parking on-site and ramp access to the main pavilion.

Watch out: this is a compact memorial rather than a landscaped park — expect a pavilion, a small exhibit building, and open grass rather than extensive grounds to wander. Budget 20-30 minutes unless you’re visiting during the annual commemoration.

Every year from 3 to 5 March, the four villages of Samrit subdistrict hold a Thung Samrit commemoration with a light-and-sound retelling of the battle — 2026 marks the 200th anniversary of the events themselves, so it’s worth checking locally for an expanded program around that date. Outside festival dates, the monument sees light, mostly local, foot traffic rather than tour buses.

Insider Tip: Combine the visit with Phimai Historical Park and Phimai National Museum — both are in the same district and give the fuller Khmer-era and Rattanakosin-era history of the area in one trip, alongside the Thao Suranari Monument back in Korat city.