Phuket in 2015 became the first city in Thailand, and in Asean, to be recognised as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
The ‘Phuket Lobster Festival 2025’ will run from Aug 1–31 under the theme ‘Lobster Legacy: Gastronomy for the Future’, organisers announced at a press conference on Sunday (July 27).
The event aims to reinforce the identity of Phuket lobster as a unique culinary product and promote it as a form of Thai ‘soft power’ on the world stage.
Presiding over the press event were Phuket Vice Governor Suwit Phansengiam, Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) President Rewat Areerob, President of Ru Rak Samakkhi Co Ltd Kanokphan Pranwiraphaibun, Phuket Tourist Association President Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, and Kwannapat Chantale, Managing Director of the festival’s supporting networks.
“This festival is not just about food – it’s about identity, sustainability and the future of Phuket’s economy,” said Vice Governor Suwit. “We are working to elevate Phuket’s culinary status globally and continue developing the province as a world-class food destination.”
A key highlight of the festival’s 10th anniversary is its alignment with Phuket’s long-term goal of being designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, as part of the broader ‘Phuket 4.0’ development vision. A special seminar titled ‘Food, Culture and the Future of the Local Economy’ was also held to explore ways of driving grassroots economic development through gastronomy.
The festival is supported by Ru Rak Samakkhi Phuket (Social Enterprise) Co Ltd and other government and private sector partners. The social enterprise will now officially take on the name ‘Phuket Lobster Festival’ as part of its branding going forward.
As part of wider efforts to develop the local food ecosystem, the PPAO President Mr Rewat announced several strategic projects, including:
- Phuket Gastronomy Center – a hub for learning and development of local food culture
- Lobster Farmer Academy – a training programme to teach advanced lobster farming techniques
- B50 million fund for SMEs – offering soft loans at just 2% annual interest to small-scale entrepreneurs
- Phuket Lobster Central Market – featuring a cold-chain logistics system and full traceability
- One Tambon One Lobster Product – promoting value-added processed products unique to each subdistrict
- Phuket Lobster Cooperative – to increase market power and coordination for producers
- Farm to Table tourism initiatives – encouraging experiential travel linked with local producers
- Phuket Lobster Direct app – connecting lobster farmers directly with consumers and buyers
The PPAO aims to boost food tourism revenue by 30% over the next three years through digital marketing, quality assurance standards and community-based tourism, said Mr Rewat.
To mark the 10th anniversary, special events and promotions will take place throughout August, including offers tied to Mother’s Day (Aug 12) and partnerships with local and national brands. Beverage partner Chang will also provide aprons to participating restaurants, said an official report of the event.
Organisers expect the event to draw strong interest from both Thai and international tourists, positioning Phuket lobster as a must-try delicacy for visitors and a catalyst for long-term economic growth rooted in local food culture.