Thao Suranari (Ya Mo) Monument

About this Place

The Thao Suranari Monument (colloquially known as Ya Mo — Grandmother Mo) at Korat's western city gate is the most revered landmark in the entire Isaan region. It honours Khunying Mo, a 19th-century heroine who rallied local townspeople to defeat a Lao invading force in 1826, saving the city of Nakhon Ratchasima from occupation. Her strategy was brilliantly unconventional: she arranged for the occupying Lao soldiers to be feasted with food and rice wine until incapacitated, then coordinated a surprise counterattack by the townspeople. The bronze statue of Ya Mo — sword raised, robe flowing — is surrounded daily by offerings of flowers, incense, garlands, and food from devoted locals who treat her as a sacred city protector with powers of blessing. Theatrical dance troupes are sometimes hired to perform in her honour. The Thao Suranari Festival held in late March each year is one of Isaan's biggest and most colourful celebrations. The monument stands beside the historic city moat — a powerful symbol of local resistance, civic pride, and the fierce independent spirit of Korat.