The dates for this year’s carnival, the 37th year the event has been held, were announced by Patong Mayor Chalermsak Maneesri at the Jungceylon shopping mall yesterday (Nov 8).
Joining Mayor Chalermsak for the announcement were Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat and Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum.
The ‘37th Patong Beach Phuket Tourism Season Opening Festival’, this year called the ‘Phuket Carnival at Patong 2023’, will mark that Phuket was ready to welcome tourists to Patong, the “city of happiness”, Mayor Chalermsak said.
“The tourism season opening festival for the year 2023 will promote Patong Beach tourism to both Thai and foreign tourists, and to build confidence and strengthen the new image of Patong Beach.
“We are ready to welcome tourists who come to Patong Beach from all over the world, and generate income to stimulate the economy in the area. The event promotes cooperation and integration between the government, private sector and local residents in holding events,” he added.
The events will be held at the traditional site on Patong Beach near the end of Bangla Rd, from 10am onwards each day.
The annual grand parade through the town will include floats from Jungceylon shopping centre, Central Patong shopping centre, Phuket FantaSea, Carnival Magic, Simon Cabaret, the Andamananda Water Park in addition to the entries from community groups and business operators in the Patong Beach area, Mayor Chalermsak noted.
“There will be free concerts by famous artists such as Tong, 2P, SOUTHSIDE. There will also be many light and sound shows on stage, EDM performances from famous DJs every night, and booths selling food and drinks throughout the event,” he added.
Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum addressed safety as a concern. “A meeting of the subordinate units was called and measures and personnel were put in place to take care of safety, including traffic, accidents and various events, by integrating with various sectors to be ready to provide maximum safety to local residents and tourists,” Maj Gen Sinlert said.
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat said that tourists were “ready and waiting” to come to Phuket, and enjoy events such as the Phuket Carnival at Patong.
“Therefore, we are confident that the opening of the Patong Beach tourism season this time will bring income back to Phuket similar to 2019, with all parties being ready to take care of conveniences, in terms of traffic and safety and other every dimension,” he said.
“We invite people to come. Local residents and business operators are ready to be good hosts and ready to welcome you, to make an impression on tourists and let them believe in choosing to travel back here again next time,” he added.