Prime Minister Anutin secretly watched his wife lead 7,410 women from Korat in a grand rehearsal of the dance honoring the 200th anniversary of Ya Mo's heroic deeds, before officially opening the event on 23 March 2026. He praised, "Everyone dances beautifully." The tags are [Prime Minister Anutin, Ya Mo, Korat, Dance Rehearsal, 200th Anniversary, Local Festival].
On 22 March 2026 at 17:00, at the Ya Mo Monument plaza in Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Ms. Thananon Niramits, known as Ja, wife of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, together with Ms. Phaknan Sila-at, President of the Nakhon Ratchasima Red Cross Chapter, and 7,410 women from Korat, held a grand rehearsal of the dance honoring Ya Mo before the official ceremony at 18:30 on 23 March 2026. Prime Minister Anutin will preside over the opening ceremony. The rehearsal was attended by Anupong Suksamanit, Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima, officials, and many citizens. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anutin quietly stood watching his wife and the Korat women rehearse across from the Ya Mo Monument, warmly welcomed by Yolda Wangsupakitkosol, President of the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Administrative Organization, who also watched the rehearsal.
Reporters asked Prime Minister Anutin how he felt watching the dance rehearsal, and he responded with a smile, "Everyone dances beautifully. Those who get to dance are lucky."
This year’s celebration of Ya Mo's victory in 2026 is especially significant, marking the 200th anniversary of her heroic deeds. The grand event, themed "200 Years of Glorious Heroism, Unfading Faith," runs from 23 March to 3 April 2026, lasting 12 days and nights at the Ya Mo Monument plaza and the front field of the Provincial Hall. Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, Princess of Thailand, has graciously agreed to attend the dance honoring Ya Mo, which involves 7,410 Korat women—a number symbolizing the 74th birthday of His Majesty King Rama X in 2026. Prime Minister Anutin will officially open the event. Four notable Korat natives will hold the torches to light fireworks at the four city corners: famous luk thung singer and host Sunaree Ratchasima; Lt. Col. Udomporn Polsak, former Thai national weightlifting Olympic gold medalist; Wilawan Apinyapong (Captain Gift), former captain of the Thai women's national volleyball team and one of the legendary “7 Wizards”; and Capt. Supakan Yamthai, a military nurse who served at the field hospital during the Thai-Cambodian clashes in Sisaket Province.
The annual celebration of Ya Mo's victory in 2026 honors the courage and sacrifice of Ya Mo, a heroic figure and the spiritual symbol of the Korat people. This milestone 200th anniversary commemorates her legendary victory, showcasing unwavering faith and gratitude. It encourages descendants and the public to pay respect to their ancestors and preserve local traditions and culture, including the grand ritual dance performed continuously over the years. The event features food and souvenir stalls from well-known vendors, OTOP product sales, Red Cross booths, a spectacular light and sound show titled "Ya Chan Than Chue Mo: The Old Promise 200 Years," drone flights displaying messages, traditional circle dances, Muay Thai exhibitions, and daily live music performances by renowned artists throughout the event.
