In Patong, Mayor Lalita Maneesri presided over the opening ceremony at the temporary pond set up on Patong Beach. Before festivities began, Mayor Lalita led a 93-second silence in remembrance of the Queen Mother.
Mayor Lalita again urged people to float eco-friendly krathong in the specially built temporary pool – six metres wide, 60m long and 80cm deep – instead of the sea, in an effort to reduce marine waste.
“This event promotes local culture and boosts tourism, while protecting our environment,” Mayor Lalita said. The ceremony drew large numbers of residents, community leaders and tourists.
In Phuket Town, Mayor Suphachok La-ongphet joined crowds in front of Suan Luang Rama IX Park, where festivities continued despite heavy rain.
Municipal executives, school representatives, officials and tourists joined in floating krathongs on the park reservoir.
Phuket City Municipality also promoted traditional beliefs linked with Loy Krathong, including placing coins on the krathong for prosperity and floating away bad luck.
In Ratsada, celebrations were held at Phuket Rajabhat University under the theme ‘Mother of the Nation, Her Grace Transcending Time’.
Phuket Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai, Ratsada Mayor Jirayut Songyot, officials, teachers and students joined in a candle-lighting ceremony and moment of silence in honour of the Queen Mother.
More than 100 shops joined the event, alongside cultural shows including Khon, Manora and Rong Ngen performances.
In Wichit, celebrations took place at Khlong Mudong, Ban Borae, and Laem Dinso Viewpoint, where crowds gathered despite the rain. Wichit Municipality deployed staff to guide visitors and ensure safety as locals and tourists floated their krathongs along the waterway.
Festivities were also held in Srisoonthorn, as communities joined together to keep the tradition alive for both Thai residents and visitors.
Meanwhile in Rawai and Karon, municipalities did not organise decorated festival grounds this year, but residents and tourists were still able to float krathongs at natural waterways in the local area.
Loy Krathong was celebrated nationwide, with events in Phuket once again attracting both locals and international tourists, while emphasising culture, remembrance and environmentally-friendly practices.