Sapam and Bang Khu deity processions draw crowds in Phuket Town

Residents and tourists lined streets in Phuket Town on 12 October as deity processions from the Guan Te Kun Sapam and Bang Khu Sam Kuan Tong shrines travelled to Saphan Hin for traditional rituals during Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival.

The processions, held on the festival’s third day and the second day of town-wide deity parades, later returned to their respective shrines. Many residents wore white and set up worship tables along the routes, while firecrackers were lit in a traditional practice believed to bring good fortune to families.

The Guan Te Kun Sapam procession departed at 7am and travelled through Phuket Town before heading to Saphan Hin. Its route included Nakhon, Yaowarat, Mae Luan, Patiphat, Ranong, Phang Nga and Phuket roads, as well as several major intersections.

The procession was led by flags and banners, followed by “Tai Pia” palanquins carrying deity images arranged by rank. Chinese ceremonial umbrellas, known as “Niu Siu”, came next, followed by the “Tua Lian”, a larger palanquin reserved for the principal deity, Kiu Ong Tai Te.

Male and female spirit mediums, known as “Ma Song”, also took part. Some underwent ritual body piercing with implements including metal spikes, swords and “Monthon” heads. Devotees believe the rituals show spiritual devotion and allow the mediums to bear misfortune on behalf of the community.

The 2026 Vegetarian Festival runs from 10 to 18 October. The Lim Hu Tai Su Shrine, also known as Samkong Shrine, is scheduled to hold its “Iew Keng” procession through Phuket Town on 13 October.