Phuket governor urges community support for 2026 Vegetarian Festival
Governor Chotnarin Koedsom has urged Phuket residents and businesses to support the Vegetarian Festival from 10 to 18 October by following its plant-based traditions and welcoming visitors.
Phuket Governor Chotnarin Koedsom has urged residents, shop owners and businesses across the island to support the 2026 Phuket Vegetarian Festival by following its plant-based traditions from 10 to 18 October.
Speaking at a press conference at Lim Hu Tai Su Shrine in Samkong, Phuket Town, the governor called on food vendors and service providers to prioritise plant-based dishes and refrain from preparing or serving meat during the nine-day festival.
“Observing the vegetarian precepts not only generates merit for those who participate but also brings blessings to the community and the province as a whole,” Chotnarin said. He also asked residents to warmly welcome tourists and devotees travelling to Phuket for the event.
The governor urged all 41 Chinese shrines, known locally as ahng, to preserve the tradition and organise daily activities according to their customary schedules. The provincial administration has pledged to coordinate with the shrines to help ceremonies proceed smoothly and in line with local customs.
Preparations involve 44 regional government agencies, more than 100 central government bodies, 19 local administrative organisations and the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation. The Phuket Provincial Cultural Office has arranged time slots for official participation in shrine ceremonies and activities.
The province and its partners are also providing material support to 47 shrines — 41 in Phuket and six in neighbouring Phang Nga — for food preparation and other festival activities.
Residents and visitors needing assistance can contact government agencies or call 1567 or 1784. The Phuket Provincial Public Relations Office will provide festival information and contact details for individual shrines.
Chotnarin said he hoped the festival would take place safely and in an orderly manner, while respecting the traditions of each shrine.
