At Kathu Shrine – the birthplace of the festival more than two centuries ago – Phuket Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai led the pole-raising ceremony at 5pm, joined by Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) President Rewat Areerob, Kathu Mayor Wannayut Suthikun, community leaders and hundreds of devotees dressed in white.
The ceremony, accompanied by the sounds of drums and firecrackers, opened the shrine’s special 200th anniversary celebrations, honouring its central role in preserving Phuket’s faith and traditions.
Similar ceremonies were held simultaneously at major shrines around the island.
At Tha Ruea Shrine in Thalang, Minister of Tourism and Sports Atthakorn Sirilathayakorn presided over the raising of the 16-metre Ko Teng pole, joined by Vice Governor Suwit Pansengiam, Srisoonthorn Mayor Chalermpol Kerdsap, and shrine president Kittisak Sotraksa. The lively ceremony drew large crowds of residents, tourists and spirit mediums, reflecting the enduring devotion that defines the festival.
“Visiting Phuket during this time is important because the Vegetarian Festival is a valuable cultural identity of the province,” said Minister Atthakorn. He praised the unity shown by local communities and invited tourists to experience the atmosphere of faith throughout the nine-day event.
In Phuket Town, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn officiated at the pole-raising at Jui Tui Tao Bo Keng Shrine, joined by Governor Saransak Srikruanetra and local officials. The ceremony, held at about 4:45pm, was conducted amid an atmosphere of reverence and unity.
Minister Phiphat said Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival, listed as a national intangible cultural heritage since 2018, reflects the faith and compassion of the local people and strengthens Phuket’s image as a “world-class cultural and tourism city.” He also commended agencies for ensuring safety and convenience for residents and visitors throughout the festival period.
Further marking this year’s significance, Minister of Industry Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana presided over two events in Phuket Town ‒ the pole-raising and lantern ceremony at Sang Tham Shrine on Phang Nga Rd, and the opening of the Phuket Vegetarian Food and Fashion Innovation Fair at Central Floresta.
This year marks the first time Sang Tham Shrine has officially hosted the festival. “The illumination of nine lanterns evokes a spark of faith,” said Minister Thanakorn. “The Vegetarian Festival not only preserves spiritual values but also supports Phuket’s economy, attracting more than one million visitors and generating around B15 billion.”
He added that the accompanying food and fashion fair aims to blend Phuket’s heritage with modern innovation to promote sustainable creative industries and highlight the province’s growing wellness and cultural tourism sectors.
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2025 runs from Oct 21-29, with rituals and processions taking place at shrines across the island under the theme ‘Phuket, the City of Faith and Goodness in the Andaman’.