The festival began on Friday (Dec 19) with a grand parade along Patong Beach, featuring more than 40 floats representing tourism groups, businesses and community organisations.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, with Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsithavorn delivering the province’s welcome, joined by Vice Governors Adul Chuthong and Theeraphong Chuaychoo, and Patong Mayor Lalita Maneesri.
In his remarks, Mr Phiphat highlighted Patong’s standing as one of Phuket’s most recognised tourism destinations globally, noting continuing development, improved facilities and strong cooperation between agencies and the local community. He urged residents and businesses to remain good hosts and to help create positive, memorable experiences for international and domestic visitors.
Governor Nirat said the long-running festival symbolised the collaboration of government, private sector and community partners in welcoming the start of the high season, reinforcing Phuket’s readiness and strengthening its tourism image worldwide.
The beachfront has remained lively throughout the weekend, with packed viewing areas for water sports events yesterday (Dec 20), including longtail boat, jet-ski and speedboat races under the banner of the ‘Big Kui Loves Speed’ competition.
The event, supported by the Jai Luan Luan Volunteer Group and the Patong Longtail Boat Club, was organised to promote sports participation, strengthen relationships among local organisations and tourism operators, and provide entertainment for residents and visitors alike.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, a six-minute fireworks display lit up the Patong skyline late last night, accompanied by fire baton performances and on-stage entertainment, drawing large crowds of Thai and foreign tourists along the beachfront.
Today marks the final day of festivities, with highlights including beach yoga at 4:30pm, music and staged performances from 5pm, and a concert by Songkran Rangsan scheduled for 9:30pm, with entertainment running through to midnight.
Officials said the festival aims not only to entertain but also to promote confidence in Patong as a safe, welcoming and vibrant destination, stimulate the local economy and reinforce cooperation between authorities, the private sector and the community.
The Phuket Tourism Season Opening Festival has been held annually for nearly four decades and remains one of the province’s signature celebrations marking the start of the island’s busiest tourism period.