Phuket City Mayor Suphot La-ongphet said the municipality over the past week launched several activities in preparation for the annual festival, including city decorations and shrine cleaning ceremonies.
“These activities prepare the city to welcome residents and tourists during this special milestone year and help create a beautiful and memorable image for visitors,” Mr Suphot said.
The Public Health and Environment Division of Phuket City Municipality has been assigned to work closely with shrine kitchen operators to ensure full compliance with food sanitation and infectious disease prevention standards.
All shrines within Phuket City are required to maintain clean food preparation and cooking areas, dispose of waste and wastewater properly and avoid using foam containers in order to reduce waste and protect the environment.
Municipal officers have also conducted public awareness campaigns to educate food vendors and shrine volunteers on safe food handling practices, ensuring that vegetarian meals prepared for devotees and visitors meet hygiene requirements.
Mr Suphot said the municipality expects a large turnout of both Thai and international visitors for this year’s celebrations, marking two centuries since the festival’s founding.
“We want everyone to join in this sacred tradition with a sense of merit, safety and good health,” he said.
The increased focus on sanitation follows concerns raised in previous years.
During the 2023 Vegetarian Festival, health inspections found that seven Chinese shrines in Phuket Town failed to meet food hygiene standards, prompting stricter enforcement and closer monitoring this year.
Phuket officials have confirmed that ongoing inspections will continue throughout the festival period to ensure that all shrines and food stalls fully comply with municipal health regulations.