ไทย
Phuket — On February 9, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., Phuket City Municipality held a press conference announcing the “Phuket Chinese New Year (Our Local Third Lunar Month) 2026”, scheduled to take place from February 22–24, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., across Phuket Old Town, Mueang District, Phuket Province. The festival aims to preserve local cultural heritage while promoting tourism and stimulating the local economy.
The press conference was presided over by Mr. Suppachok La-ongphet, Mayor of Phuket City, together with Ms. Phuangphaka Chaowwai, Director of Phuket Provincial Cultural Office; Ms. Raweewan Saengchan, Deputy Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Phuket Office; Pol. Lt. Col. Thanthurong Wutthiwong, Deputy Superintendent (Prevention and Suppression), Phuket City Police Station; Mr. Theerasak Pholngam, President of the Phuket Gastronomy Club; and Deputy Mayors of Phuket City Municipality, along with executives and representatives from government agencies and the private sector.
Phuket City Municipality emphasized its commitment to fostering public awareness of the value of cultural heritage and traditional ways of life passed down through generations. The festival is expected to generate added value, create jobs, and increase income for local communities, in line with national Soft Power policies and sustainable development goals.
Key activities include the ‘Phuket Festival 2026 Parade’, showcasing Phuket’s cultural identity through the collaboration of over 300 participants; daily Old Town charm check-in activities offering 600 souvenirs per day; a City of Gastronomy zone featuring more than 400 food and product vendors; hands-on cultural learning activities such as Chinese paper cutting, auspicious calligraphy writing, kim, paper folding, and guzheng performances; as well as exhibitions highlighting Chinese New Year traditions and the ritual of worshipping deities.
A major highlight is the return of the iconic “Dragon Lantern Tunnel,” stretching over 40 meters along Thepkrasattri Road and Phuket Road, complemented by more than eight check-in points throughout the event area. The festival will also feature seven performance stages, including a main stage and satellite stages along key streets.
In terms of waste and environmental management, Phuket City Municipality has developed a comprehensive cleanliness plan, with clearly designated waste disposal and waste-separation points throughout the venue, increased collection frequency during the event, and campaigns encouraging vendors and attendees to reduce single-use plastics and properly separate waste. These measures aim to preserve the cleanliness of the Old Town and minimize environmental impact, in line with sustainable event management principles. The municipality will also arrange five parking areas, accommodating more than 600 cars and motorcycles in order to facilitate transportation.
Additionally, throughout February, the Lantern Festival (Yuan Xiao Festival) will be held from February 11 to March 3, 2026, featuring lantern displays at two landmark locations: the 72nd Anniversary Queen Sirikit Commemorative Park and Suriyadet Circle, reflecting themes of cultural roots, migration, and auspiciousness.
Phuket City Municipality cordially invites residents and visitors to experience the charm of culture, local ways of life, and gastronomy at the “Phuket Chinese New Year (Our Local Third Lunar Month) 2026”, joining together to preserve cultural values and foster shared pride among the people of Phuket.
Phuket Provincial Public Relations Office – Photos & News