ไทย
Phuket – June 21, 2025 – Mr. Suwit Pansangiam, Deputy Governor of Phuket, Mr. Rewat Areerob, President of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization, together with honored guests including Professor Jung Kang Hon, President of the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) Asia and a Korean national, Mr. Kittipong Prapattong, Deputy Governor for Digital, Research, and Development of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Khun Anchalee Vanich Theppabutr, Honorary Board Member and Founder of the Peranakan Association of Thailand, Dr. Kosol Taeng-uthai, President of the Peranakan Association, Khun Boonperm Intanapasat, President of TIEFA and CEO of RunRIO Thailand, and Khun Wisitman Srinilta, Senior Manager of TCEB Southern Office, all came together to celebrate the grand “Phuket Peranakan World Parade & Carnival,” which saw over 3,000 participants and featured a performance by Thai pop artist Nat Myria, culminating in a breathtaking fireworks display.
Phuket Peranakan Festival 2025 was organized by the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization in collaboration with Phuket Province, Phuket City Municipality, the Peranakan Association of Thailand, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the Thai International Events and Festivals Trade Association (TIEFA), the Phuket Art Association, and various public-private sector networks and local communities.
The “Phuket Peranakan World Parade & Carnival” highlighted the local Baba-Yaya (Peranakan) cultural heritage and traditions on an international stage, with support from Old Town communities and Phuket residents. The event has won several prestigious awards both nationally and regionally, including the ‘City Festival Award’ from the Creative Economy Agency (CEA), the ‘Asia Pinnacle Award’ from Asia IFEA for Outstanding Emerging Heritage Festival, and the ‘Grand Pinnacle Award’ for Best Parade from the World IFEA under the new concept “Island of Artistic.” This celebration also served as a prelude to the upcoming Thailand Biennale Phuket later this year, aiming to position Phuket as a true ‘World Festival Destination’.
Parade Route & Highlights:
The majestic parade began at the Clock Tower roundabout on Phuket Road, passed the Tin Mining Monument—an iconic Phuket landmark and popular check-in spot—and concluded at Saphan Hin Cape with a celebration featuring Nat Myria and dazzling fireworks.
The parade featured 20 themed segments:
- Opening Island of Artistic Troop – Led by a Deepal electric car with Peranakan designs and the event title “PHUKET PERANAKAN.”
- City Marching – Marching band from Pluk Panya School under the Royal Patronage.
- Island of Artistic: The Mask Party – Giant props portraying Peranakan-influenced Island life and culture.
- Royal Celebration Marching Band
- Peranakan Association – Kebaya wedding procession joined by Peranakan communities from Ranong, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang, Satun, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore.
- Bat Procession by Provincial School Students – Over 100 students playing “Sound of Hope” on flutes, symbolizing good fortune with “Fu Fu Bats,” representing luck and celebration for Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025.
- Art Association’s Sculpture Parade – Depicting the abundance of the Andaman Sea.
- Biennale Celebration Parade – Connecting to the upcoming international Thailand Biennale Art Festival.
- Fan Performing Art – Featuring artistic fans as symbolic personal accessories of Peranakan women, expressing joy and artistic flair.
- Flannel Performing Art – Artistic interpretation of handkerchiefs as beloved personal items.
- Peony Performing Art – Showcasing the Peony as a symbolic artistic expression via fabric and accessories.
- Ethnic Performing Art – Celebrating unity in diversity among ethnic communities, presenting them as a living art form.
- Pineapple Dancing – Celebrating Phuket’s famous pineapple and Hokkien Mee dishes; a collaboration between Phuket Art Association, Phuket Vocational College, and Ban Samkong Municipal School.
- Food Dancing – Portraying the joy of local home-cooked dishes through dance.
- Beach & Uptown Artisan Boy & Girl – Representing diverse communities and eco-conscious indie artists of Phuket.
- Aquaria – Featuring vibrant marine life displays and a live aquarium feeding show.
- Simon Cabaret – Celebrating over 30 years of proud and glamorous LGBTQ+ performance art.
- Aqua Circus Phuket (We Create Miracles) – A magical aquatic-themed show of water-based artistry.
- Andamanda – Highlighting the extravagant water park and thrilling rides.
- Siam Niramit – Showcasing world-class performances of Thai cultural heritage in a visually stunning spectacle.
Final Day Highlights – June 22, 2025:
At Saphan Hin Cape, the festival concluded with a historic attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest serving of Phuket-style ‘Hokkien Mee’, a legendary home-cooked dish. Over 200 restaurants, communities, and chef associations across Phuket came together to prepare and serve the dish, marking a momentous finale to the event.
