Government offices are closed from Tuesday through Thursday, with the holidays covering His Majesty the King’s Birthday today, Asarnha Bucha Day tomorrow (July 29) and Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent Day) on Thursday (July 30).
The King’s Birthday will be marked by official ceremonies throughout Phuket, with provincial officials, government workers and members of the public taking part in events to honour Jis Majesty.
Ahead of the celebrations, a Buddhist chanting ceremony was held at Wat Doi Thep Nimit in the hills overlooking Patong on Sunday (July 26), where Vice Governor Suwit Phansengiam represented Phuket Governor Chotinrin Kerdsum in presiding over the ceremony.
The event included the offering of royal robes bestowed by His Majesty to monks, with government officials and local residents joining prayers and offering blessings for the King.
Governor Chotinrin was in Bangkok on Sunday leading a delegation of Phuket officials in national celebrations held at Mahakan Fort Park under the royal initiative project ‘The River of Life Under His Majesty’s Patronage: Continuing the Rattanakosin Way of Life’.
During the visit, he also promoted Phuket’s local products at the province’s ‘Phuket City of Gastronomy’ exhibition.
Nene Royal and her Ozone band also performed live at the exhibition to promote Phuket’s talents.
Adding to the celebrations, a projection mapping display honouring the King is being shown on the Phuket Museum building in Phuket Old Town from tonight and tomorrow night between 7:30pm and 10pm.
The King’s Birthday holiday will be followed immediately by Asarnha Bucha Day on Wednesday and Khao Phansa on Thursday, which marks the beginning of the annual Buddhist Lent.
A nationwide ban on alcohol sales will be in force for the two Buddhist holidays, covering the full 48-hour period from the start of July 29 until the end of July 30.
Under the amended Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, exemptions apply only to licensed entertainment venues, hotels and international airports. Bars and restaurants should not assume they are exempt unless they hold the appropriate entertainment venue licences.
Violations of the alcohol sales ban carry penalties of up to six months’ imprisonment, a fine of up to B10,000, or both.
Police have also stepped up preparations for the extended holiday period. Thalang Police have mobilised traffic officers, patrol units, rescue workers, firefighters and tow truck teams to respond to increased travel by residents and tourists.
The operation includes measures to manage traffic, respond quickly to road accidents and assist motorists throughout the holiday period, with officers also clearing roadside drainage to reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rain.