The traditional nine-day festival traces its origins back to 1825, making it 198 years ago, Mayor Saroj said.
In 2016, the Department of Cultural Promotion certified the Phuket Vegetarian Festival as a traditional festival that highlighted the local heritage of Phuket Province, and as such was recognised as among the national heritage of Thailand, Mayor Saroj continued.
“This festival is considered a valuable treasure that has been created, accumulated, cultivated and passed on in the community from one generation to the next,” he said.
The festival attracted many visitors, both Thai and foreign, each year, Mayor Saroj noted.
Lertchai Wangtrakuldee, Director of the Phuket office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT Phuket), earlier reported that more than 600,000 tourists were expected to visit Phuket for the festival, generating more than B9 billion in revenue for the local economy.
“Therefore, preparations of the area have been made to welcome people of faith both in Phuket and other provinces, and including foreign tourists, to join in creating an impression with the backdrop of Phuket Town being spectacular with symbols of the traditional Phuket Vegetarian Festival,” Mayor Saroj said.
“Many locations have been set up to be ideal for taking photos for visitors to share with their family and friends, and to keep for their own memories.”
Among them is the small park located directly opposite the iconic Standard Chartered building, one of Phuket’s most well known sights. Set up beside the building on Thalang Rd is the giant inflatable ‘Nong White Bear’.
Phuket City Municipality is ready to be a part in promoting tourism in Phuket by adding cultural value to increase our economic value. We are ready to invite people to take part in the Phuket Vegetarian festival from Oct 15-23 for their own prosperity and for their families,” Mayor Saroj said.
“Come be a part of restoring, conserving and continuing the good old traditions of Phuket so they continue from generation to generation,” he added.