The Governor officiated at celebrations held at Bang Neow Shrine in Phuket Town on Saturday (Feb 21), congratulating the Phuket Shrine Association on its ongoing years of operation.
Also in attendance were his wife, Ms Kusumal Pongsitthaworn; representatives of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO); Phuket City Municipality; the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation; and the Thepkrasattri Foundation, which oversees Bang Neow Shrine.
The event brought together a province-wide network of shrines, government agencies and local administrative organisations in what officials described as a show of unity within Phuket’s Thai-Chinese community.
The atmosphere at Bang Neow Shrine was described as warm and collaborative, reflecting the role of the Phuket Shrine Association as a coordinating body for religious and cultural activities across the island.
Formed with support from shrine committees and public-sector partners, the association now links more than 40 shrines. It plays a central role in organising religious ceremonies and supporting key provincial traditions, particularly the annual Vegetarian Festival.
Chinese New Year greetings were delivered by representatives of various organisations, while students from Phuket Polytechnic College and Bang Neow Municipal School staged cultural performances showcasing Thai-Chinese art and heritage.
Officials said the annual Chinese New Year gathering, now in its third year under the association’s leadership, provides an opportunity for shrine committees to exchange ideas, strengthen cooperation and ensure Phuket’s long-established Thai-Chinese traditions are passed on to younger generations.
OLD TOWN LIGHTS UP
Celebrations continued yesterday evening (Feb 22) as Phuket City Municipality officially opened the ‘Phuket Chinese New Year 2026’ festival in Phuket Old Town.
At 7pm at the historic Chartered Bank Intersection, Governor Nirat again presided over the opening ceremony, joined by Phuket City Mayor Suppachoke Laongphet, municipal executives, officials, residents and large numbers of Thai and foreign tourists.
The three-day event, running from Feb 22-24, is being held along Phang Nga Rd, Phuket Rd and Thalang Rd under the concept ‘Discover Phuket’, aimed at promoting Phuket Town’s cultural identity while stimulating the local economy.
This year’s festival is themed ‘Phuket Festival 2026: Happiness in Every Flavour’ and features light-and-sound installations, cultural shows across seven stages and five designated check-in points throughout the Old Town area.
A major highlight is a 40-metre-long ‘Dragon Light Dome Tunnel’, featuring two illuminated dragons forming a striking archway along Thalang Rd. One dragon stretches from Thaew Naew Intersection to the Chartered Bank Intersection, while the other extends towards Tua Pho Intersection on Thepkrasattri Rd.
A grand parade also made its way from Nawamin Square to the Chartered Bank Intersection, with students, teachers, community groups and officials joining in colourful procession.
SERVING UP CULTURE
In addition to stage performances, the festival includes hands-on cultural activities such as gold paper folding, Chinese paper cutting, writing auspicious greetings and guzheng performances, offering residents and visitors opportunities to learn more about Phuket’s Chinese heritage.
More than 400 food vendors and 13 food trucks are participating as part of Phuket’s ‘City of Gastronomy’ campaign, serving a wide range of local dishes, desserts and drinks.
Governor Nirat said the Phuket Chinese New Year Festival is a key driver of tourism and economic activity for the province, reflecting the island’s cultural ‘soft power’ inherited from earlier generations of Chinese settlers.
He added that the festival not only promotes tourism but also builds confidence and creates a joyful atmosphere for both residents and visitors, reinforcing Phuket Town’s reputation as a vibrant cultural destination during the Lunar New Year period.