Phuket Police Step Up Security for Vegetarian Festival

Phuket police and other government agencies have stepped up security measures for the annual Vegetarian Festival, with 350 personnel gathering for a briefing outside Phuket Town Police Station on the evening of October 8.

The operation involved police officers, military personnel, district administration representatives, volunteers and staff from other agencies. The formation was inspected by Phuket Provincial Police Chief Major General Surachai Suksai.

Mueang Phuket District Chief Siwat Rawangkun, who is serving as acting provincial governor, represented the civilian administration. Phuket Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom was in Bangkok on official business.

The heightened security arrangements will remain in place throughout the festival, which runs from October 9 to 18. Police priorities include maintaining public order, protecting residents and tourists, managing traffic during religious processions and other events, and monitoring the use of firecrackers and fireworks.

Pyrotechnics are a particular concern because of their widespread use during the festival. Authorities are also highlighting the potential risks posed by candles and incense burned in temples and near household altars.

Thousands of firecrackers seized before the festival

Before the celebrations began, police conducted a separate anti-crime operation from October 2 to 8. During that period, officers arrested two sellers suspected of selling pyrotechnics without the required permits and seized 3,049 firecrackers and other pyrotechnic items.

Police are urging residents and business operators not to sell or use fireworks in violation of the law. The public is also advised to keep children safe and report suspicious objects or suspected criminal activity to the police emergency number, 191.

The first Vegetarian Festival rituals take place on the evening of October 9, when Go Teng lantern poles are raised at Chinese shrines across Phuket. The festival’s nine main days of observance run from October 10 to 18.