UPDATE: Phuket adds waste planning to 2026 Vegetarian Festival preparations

Phuket authorities are expanding preparations for the Vegetarian Festival, scheduled for 10–18 October 2026 and expected to draw large numbers of devotees and tourists across the island. Planning includes public services, health and safety measures and arrangements for an anticipated increase in waste.

Phuket City Mayor Suppachoke Laongphet held a preparation meeting at his office on 9 September 2026 with representatives from Maxtar Marketing Co Ltd, an official representative of CPRAM Co Ltd, and Pol Lt Col Piya Yongpradoem, inspector of crime prevention and suppression at Phuket City Police Station.

The meeting focused on supporting public services and facilitating residents and visitors during the festival. Municipal participants included the mayor's secretary, Chuea Khongjin; Public Health and Environment Division director Anat Noppakao; and officials from the municipality's Tourism and Sports Division. The parties discussed coordinated operations covering public services, health and safety.

Waste management has also become part of the preparations. The Phuket Express reported that the festival is expected to generate substantial refuse, particularly firecracker debris from Iew Keng ceremonies held at local shrines. The mayor led an inspection of the city's landfill and central waste-management facility this week, where staff outlined plans for handling the increased load. Some areas had already been levelled to accommodate organic waste and firecracker remnants during the nine-day event.

The report said approximately 11,000 tonnes of accumulated waste were awaiting incineration, compared with the facility's designed capacity of 9,000 tonnes. Daily intake was averaging between 1,100 and 1,300 tonnes. To ease pressure on the disposal system, the municipality is working with the Phuket Shrine Association and urging participating shrines to separate waste at source. Officials believe early sorting will help reduce pressure on disposal systems and support smoother operations during the festival.

Separately, the Phuket Chinese Shrine Association held its first ordinary general meeting of 2026 at the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation offices. Attendees included PPAO Deputy Chief Executive Anuphap Wechawanitsanong, association president Prasert Khaokitpaisan and Phuket City Mayor's adviser Kittiwong Chansatthatham, who is also the association's honorary advisory chairman.

Representatives from the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation, Phuket Provincial Culture Office, Phuket City Municipality and other agencies also attended. The meeting covered the association's operational plans and coordination with government agencies, the private sector, sponsors and other organisations, as well as arrangements for festival activities and support measures while maintaining the cultural traditions associated with Phuket's Vegetarian Festival.