Phraya Phichai

Over my birthday weekend, my district celebrated the Phraya Phichai, the hero of Phichai (Read about that celebration here). He was a skilled Muay Thai fighter who fought with two swords. He lived nearly 300 years ago when the Thai capital of the time, Ayutthaya, was under the control of the Burmese. Phichai is about 400 km north of Ayutthaya, close to the burmese border and was somewhat of a frontier. The Phraya Phichai fought to regain independence for Thailand. In battle, one of his swords famously snapped in half. He continued fighting and won the battle. 

People around my community and across Thailand celebrate his heroic efforts. Each year the district of Phichai holds a festival in his honor. Many locals have a decal of him on their car. My office has an image of him posted on the wall, below images of the Buddha, King, and Queen, of course. A Thai action movie called Thong Dee Fun Khao was inspired by the Phraya Phichai. I will soon look for a copy with English subtitles and let you know how it is! The capital of my province also has a large statue of him outside their city hall building. This statue serves as inspiration for this post card image.

The Phraya Phichai in my office.

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