Among the floats were cowboys, cheerleaders and dancers along with elaborate costumes and modern, artistic versions of characters from traditional Thai folklore. Among those taking part in the parade were Jungceylon shopping centre, Central Patong Department Store, Phuket FantaSea, Carnival Magic, Simon Cabaret and Andamanda Water Park.
The parade started at the southern end of Phra Metta Rd at 4pm and continued along Prachanukroh Rd then along the Patong beach road, where it came to an end at ‘Bangla Plaza’, the main entertainment area on the beach where the stages have been set up for the nightly entertainment.
Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan officially declared the annual three-day event underway, joined by Patong Mayor Chalermsak Maneesri.
This year marks the 37th time the festival has been held to mark the official start of the tourism high season. The carnival this year is being held under the theme ‘Time of Happiness’.
The carnival continues today from 10am, with live entertainment on the beach tonight concluding at midnight, and will continue tomorrow, again from 10am to midnight.
The live entertainment announced to perform on stage tonight and tomorrow are as follows:
Saturday, Dec 9
9:00pm - 10:00pm Green Light Band
10:00pm - 11:00pm Super
11:00pm -12:00am Masta J
Sunday, Dec 10
9:00pm - 10:00pm Rosezy
10:00pm - 11:00pm AE
11:00pm - 12:00am Samatsky