Phuket begins three-day holiday for King’s Birthday and Buddhist observances
Official ceremonies are being held across Phuket as government offices close for the King’s Birthday, Asarnha Bucha Day and Khao Phansa.
Phuket has begun a three-day public holiday covering His Majesty the King’s Birthday, Asarnha Bucha Day and Khao Phansa, or Buddhist Lent Day.
Government offices are closed from Tuesday, July 28, through Thursday, July 30. Official ceremonies are being held throughout the province, with provincial officials, government workers and members of the public taking part in events honouring the King.
A Buddhist chanting ceremony was held at Wat Doi Thep Nimit, in the hills overlooking Patong, on Sunday, July 26. Vice Governor Suwit Phansengiam represented Phuket Governor Chotinrin Kerdsum at the ceremony, which included the offering of royal robes bestowed by the King to monks.
Governor Chotinrin was in Bangkok on Sunday leading a delegation of Phuket officials at national celebrations at Mahakan Fort Park, held under the royal initiative project “The River of Life Under His Majesty’s Patronage: Continuing the Rattanakosin Way of Life”. He also promoted Phuket products at the province’s “Phuket City of Gastronomy” exhibition, where Nene Royal and her Ozone band performed.
A projection mapping display honouring the King is being shown on the Phuket Museum building in Phuket Old Town from July 28-29, between 7:30pm and 10pm.
A nationwide ban on alcohol sales applies for the full 48-hour period from the start of July 29 until the end of July 30, covering Asarnha Bucha Day and Khao Phansa. Exemptions apply only to licensed entertainment venues, hotels and international airports. Bars and restaurants must hold the appropriate entertainment venue licences to qualify for an exemption.
Violations carry penalties of up to six months’ imprisonment, a fine of up to B10,000, or both.
Thalang Police have deployed traffic officers, patrol units, rescue workers, firefighters and tow-truck teams for the holiday period. The operation is intended to manage increased travel, respond to road accidents and assist motorists. Officers are also clearing roadside drainage to reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rain.
