Traffic tailbacks ensued at around 8:15am this morning as the procession from the Kathu Shine, on its return journey from Saphan Hin, made its way along along Wichit Songkram Rd, passed Surakul Stadium, through the busy Darasamut Intersection and continued toward Makro in Wichit.
Although the procession started at 6:45am, its return journey saw the procession course its way through town in peak traffic, and subsequently causing long traffic delays.
Lt Vatchara Piekchan of the Phuket City Traffic Police, noted, “The street processions cause traffic delays every year, and this morning there were traffic jams at about 8am.”
However, he added, “The processions that affect Phuket City are done for today (Oct 16).”
Regardless, Lt Vatchara warned motorists to be wary of traffic more delays as the street processions continue.
“There will be the Sui Boon Tong Shrine procession on Pattana Rd at 7am tomorrow (Oct 17). They will proceed to Saphan Hin, affecting Patipat Rd, Krabi Rd, Dibuk Rd, Montri Rd, Tilok Uthit Rd and Phuket Rd.
“On the return journey, the procession will continue along Phuket Rd, pass the Clocktower Circle (Surin Circle), and along Rassada Rd, Phang Nga Rd, Thalang Rd, Krabi Rd and Pattana Rd.
“The will be more traffic jams at tomorrow night as several shrines will hold processions to Sapan Hin for final ceremonies.
“The processions will start at 8pm and continue until midnight. Unless you are attending the festival, my suggestion is to please avoid the Phuket Town area tomorrow night. Traffic will be affected by these processions,” Lt Vatchara said.