Phuket marks 13th Baba Wedding Ceremony in Old Town
Organised by the Peranakan Association of Thailand in collaboration with the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), Phuket City Municipality, the Phuket Tourist Association and partner organisations, the…
Phuket held its 13th Baba Wedding Ceremony on May 18, 2026, with processions and traditional rites unfolding across Phuket Old Town. Organised by the Peranakan Association of Thailand with the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation, Phuket City Municipality, the Phuket Tourist Association and partner groups, the event was staged to preserve Baba-Peranakan wedding customs practiced in Phuket for more than 100 years.
Held under the theme “A Glimpse into the Magnificent Past: A Centennial Baba Wedding of Love,” the ceremony drew officials, tourism figures and members of the public. Among those attending were Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong, Phuket Red Cross vice president Khemmawan Chuthong, former Phuket Town deputy mayor Kosol Tang-Uthai and former Phuket governor Sophon Suwannarat.
Procession and rites traced a traditional wedding sequence
The ceremony began with brides gathering at Sino House Phuket before the groom’s procession moved through the old quarter to Hong Yok House, also known as Ang Mo Lao. Firecrackers accompanied the route as relatives and guests joined the celebration.
After arriving at the bride’s house, couples took part in the “silver and gold gate” ritual and the formal welcoming of the bride. The sequence then continued with paying respects to gods, heaven and earth, followed by the tea ceremony known as Phang Te, which honours elders and expresses gratitude to family members.
Old Town setting highlighted Baba-Peranakan identity
The event used Phuket Old Town’s historic streets and heritage mansions as a backdrop for photographs, including landmarks lined with Sino-Portuguese architecture. Organisers presented the setting as part of the island’s distinct cultural character.
Both Thai and foreign couples wore brightly coloured traditional dress reflecting the blend of Chinese and Malay influences that define Baba-Peranakan culture. Brides appeared in embroidered gowns, while grooms wore classic Chinese-Malay attire.
Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-celebrates-13th-baba-wedding-ceremony-100264.php
