The ceremony took place at Wat Khajorn Rangsan (Wat Nuea) on Wednesday (July 22), led by Mueang Phuket District Chief and Acting Phuket Provincial Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) Siwat Rawangkul.
Phuket City Mayor Supachoke La-ongphet welcomed participants and said the municipality had worked with Wat Khajorn Rangsan and other organisations to organise this year’s Khao Pansa activities.
The religious ceremony was presided over by Phuket Provincial Chief Monk Phra Udom Wachiramongkol (Wirat Atthathammo), Abbot of Wat Mongkol Nimit.
Also attending were Deputy Mayor Prasit Sinsawapak, Municipal Council President Thachanon Angkhanapilas, municipal officials, government representatives, monks, teachers, students and members of the public.
Mayor Supachoke said the municipality remained committed to preserving Thailand’s cultural traditions while supporting Buddhism as an important part of community life.
He said the annual event provided Buddhists with an opportunity to make merit and take part in religious activities, while encouraging younger generations to appreciate Thai culture, traditions and Buddhist teachings.
The municipality said the event also aimed to encourage people to refrain from harmful habits, practise Buddhist principles and strengthen unity within the community.
A highlight of the ceremony was the traditional candle casting, during which participants joined together to create large candles that will later be presented to local temples for use throughout the three-month Buddhist Lent period.
The municipality has scheduled further Khao Pansa activities, with a candle blessing ceremony to be held at Wat Khajorn Rangsan on Sunday (July 26).
The completed candles will be ceremonially presented to six temples within the Phuket City Municipality area on Monday (July 27).
Khao Pansa officially begins on Thursday, July 30, marking the start of the annual three-month Buddhist retreat during the rainy season, when monks traditionally remain at their temples for study and meditation.
The holiday forms part of a three-day public holiday period this year from July 28-30, with nationwide alcohol sales prohibited on Asarnha Bucha Day (July 29) and Khao Pansa (July 30), except at licensed entertainment venues, hotels and international airports, in accordance with the amended Alcoholic Beverage Control Act.
Government offices, including Phuket Immigration, will also be closed during the holiday period before reopening on Friday, July 31.