Phuket Lak Phra processions continue despite heavy rain

Lak Phra processions were held at two temples in Phuket on 27 and 28 October despite heavy downpours that caused flooding across the island.

Ratsada Municipality organised the ceremonies at Wat Baan Koh Siray and Wat Phithak Charoen Samanakit following the end of Buddhist Lent. The first ceremony began at 7am on 27 October at the multipurpose building in Moo 7, Baan Tha Ruea Mai, followed by an event at Wat Phithak Charoen Samanakit at 9am on 28 October.

Lak Phra, also known in southern Thailand as Chak Phra, is traditionally held after Ok Phansa, the end of Buddhist Lent. In accordance with Buddhist belief, the ceremony commemorates the Buddha’s return to Earth after spending Lent teaching his mother in Tavatimsa Heaven.

Decorated platforms carrying Buddha images are pulled through local communities by devotees. In Phuket, the tradition has survived at only a small number of temples and involves local Thai Buddhists as well as migrant workers from Myanmar, particularly members of the Mon community.

Ratsada Municipality said the annual events were intended to preserve the tradition and pass it on to younger generations.