UPDATE: Phuket Vegetarian Festival expected to draw over 140,000 visitors and generate B1.4 billion
Nation Thailand reports that Phuket's 2026 Vegetarian Festival is expected to draw over 140,000 visitors and generate B1.4 billion in local spending, with a new nighttime street procession planned.
The annual nine-day Phuket Vegetarian Festival is expected to attract about 140,000 local tourists and generate more than B1.3 billion in local spending, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Phuket office. A newer estimate reported by Nation Thailand puts attendance at over 140,000 domestic and international visitors and spending at B1.4 billion.
Siriwan Siharat, director of the TAT Phuket office, described the festival as one of Thailand's largest traditional events. She said local tourists were expected to make up the largest visitor group during the festival.
“Phuket's Vegetarian Festival is strong and has become a major destination, particularly for foreign tourists,” Siriwan said.
The 2026 festival is scheduled for 9 to 18 October. Nation Thailand reported that the event will officially commence on the afternoon of 9 October at 17:09 with the raising of the Go Teng pole. The ritual signals the arrival of the Nine Emperor Gods and marks the formal start of religious observances at more than 40 Chinese shrines, known locally as Aam, across the island.
Street processions, or Yew Keng, in which spirit mediums known as Maa Song travel through local communities, are scheduled daily from 11 to 18 October. This year's programme introduces a dedicated nighttime street procession on 11 October, a new feature intended to enhance the experience for worshippers and visitors, according to Nation Thailand.
The festival's economic impact is being felt most strongly in Mueang Phuket District, the island's commercial and historic centre. Nation Thailand reported that hotel bookings in the district were up 10% from last year, with average occupancy forecast to reach 80% during the festival. Outer coastal areas, including Kathu and Thalang districts, were reporting steadier occupancy as festival-goers gathered closer to the inner city's shrines.
International visitors are led by regional markets including China, Singapore and Malaysia, alongside strong domestic turnout. Local authorities and provincial police have deployed additional traffic and safety personnel along major shrine routes to manage crowds and festival logistics.
The TAT Phuket office has prepared 1,800 copies of a festival guide covering events and routes for the daily Chinese deity processions. The guide is available in Thai and English, in print and online.
