Phuket starts high season with ‘Carnival at Patong’ parade

*Title: Phuket starts high season with ‘Carnival at Patong’ parade # Phuket starts high season with ‘Carnival at Patong’ parade. ## The Phuket Carnival at Patong 2023, marking the official start of the island province’s tourism high season, is being held until Sunday. The annual event, which is in its 37th year, began with a grand opening ceremony at Patong Beach on Friday evening under the theme "Time of Happiness". The opening ceremony was presided over by Phuket's deputy governor, Amnuay Pinsuwan, and Patong mayor Chalermsak Maneesri. Joining the parade are floats from Phuket’s major businesses, including Jungceylon shopping centre, Central Patong shopping centre, Phuket FantaSea, Carnival Magic, Simon Cabaret, and Andamanda Water Park, in addition to a cultural procession from local community groups and business operators in the Patong Beach area. Local officials said that this year’s event was aimed at building confidence among domestic and foreign tourists to visit Phuket, particularly Patong. The intended message is that Patong Beach is ready to welcome tourists from all over the world, which will generate revenue for local residents and boost the local economy. Phuket starts high season with ‘Carnival at Patong’ parade. Phuket starts high season with ‘Carnival at Patong’ parade. Phuket starts high season with ‘Carnival at Patong’ parade. Phuket starts high season with ‘Carnival at Patong’ parade. Phuket starts high season with ‘Carnival at Patong’ parade. Phuket starts high season with ‘Carnival at Patong’ parade. Phuket starts high season with ‘Carnival at Patong’ parade. Phuket starts high season with ‘Carnival at Patong’ parade. Phuket starts high season with ‘Carnival at Patong’ parade. Phuket starts high season with ‘Carnival at Patong’ parade. Phuket starts high season with ‘Carnival at Patong’ parade. Phuket starts high season with ‘Carnival at Patong’ parade. Phuket starts high season with ‘Carnival at Patong’ parade. Phuket starts high season with ‘Carnival at Patong’ parade. Phuket starts high season with ‘Carnival at Patong’ parade. Phuket starts high season with ‘Carnival at Patong’ parade. ### Phuket tourism revs up, 12 million arrivals expected this year. ### Government has huge plans to turn Phuket into a world-class tourism hub. Ekniti: invest, reform laws to make Thailand “strong man of Asia”. Man behind Cinderella story of small Chachoengsao school announces move-on.*

Published: 2026-03-14 16:48 UTC Event date: developing

Phuket officially ushered in its tourism high season with the grand opening of the 37th annual Phuket Carnival at Patong, which began Friday evening at Patong Beach and will run through Sunday. The vibrant festival, themed "Time of Happiness" this year, is a major event for the island province and attracts both local residents and tourists.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Phuket’s deputy governor Amnuay Pinsuwan and Patong mayor Chalermsak Maneesri, highlighting the significance of the event for the local community. A colourful parade featuring elaborate floats from major Phuket businesses such as Jungceylon shopping centre, Central Patong shopping centre, Phuket FantaSea, Carnival Magic, Simon Cabaret, and Andamanda Water Park made its way through Patong’s main streets. Local community groups and business operators from the Patong Beach area also participated, showcasing local culture and hospitality.

Alongside the parade, attendees can enjoy a range of entertainment including free concerts by well-known artists like Tong Twopee and Southside. Nightly light and sound shows, performances by popular DJs, and a variety of booths offering food and drinks add to the festive atmosphere. The event aims to provide both locals and visitors with memorable experiences while promoting Phuket as a safe and welcoming destination.

Local authorities have stated that this year’s carnival is designed to build confidence among domestic and international tourists, reaffirming that Patong Beach is ready to welcome visitors from around the world. The event is expected to generate significant revenue for local businesses and boost the local economy, which relies heavily on tourism. With the high season underway, the Tourism Authority of Thailand projects that Phuket will welcome up to 12 million arrivals this year, a figure that underscores the island’s importance as a tourism hub.

For residents, the carnival brings increased business to shops, hotels, and restaurants, while also providing opportunities for local performers and vendors. Tourists benefit from a lively and colourful introduction to Phuket’s culture and entertainment offerings as the high season begins.

The Phuket Carnival at Patong continues through the weekend, with large crowds expected each night. Local officials encourage everyone to participate and enjoy the festivities as Phuket positions itself as a premier global destination. As the event draws to a close, authorities and business owners will be watching closely to gauge its impact on visitor numbers and local commerce in the weeks ahead.

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40033647