The official event was held at the Chartered Bank Intersection in the heart of the Phuket Old Town, which is serving as the focal point for the Maha Songkran Phuket festivities.
The festivities included a parade through the streets of Phuket Old Town late yesterday, with Governor Sophon carried in a local version of a hand-pushed rickshaw, ahead of a procession of other dignitaries and members of local businesses and community groups dressed in traditional Thai costumes.
The festivities also include a local delicacy cooking competition and performances by famous southern artists, and traditional dances incorporated into performance recounting Thai legends.
Phuket Town is one of 15 locations throughout the country selected to hold Maha Songkran events to highlight, preserve and promote Songkran cultural traditions, following UNESCO designating the Songkran festival in Thailand as an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’.
The events in Phuket Town included the ‘Songkran No L Phuket 2024’ festivities held on Dibuk Rd in Phuket Town on Saturday (Apr 13), where thousands turned out to enjoy water play and festivities, including a concert by Thai band Paradox, in an alcohol-free zone.