The Deputy Government Spokesperson revealed that Phuket Province is ready to hold the grand "Vegetarian Festival 2026," also known as Phuket's Nine Emperor Gods Festival, from 9 to 18 October, expecting economic turnover exceeding 1.4 billion baht.
On 5 October 2026, Ms. Ploytale Laksameesangchan, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, announced that Phuket Province is ready to organize the Phuket Vegetarian Festival (Jea Chai) 2026, scheduled from 9 to 18 October 2026. This is an important tradition and a valuable cultural heritage that reflects the faith of the Thai-Chinese community and all religious groups in Phuket.
The main highlight is the pole-raising ceremony, symbolizing the official start of the festival, taking place on 9 October 2026 at approximately 17:09, the day before the actual vegetarian period begins. The festival runs from 10 to 18 October 2026, with ceremonies held at shrines (or 'Am') throughout Phuket. Following this is the deity parade around the city, commencing on 11 October 2026. This year features a special nighttime deity procession. The parades at various shrines across Phuket occur from 11 to 18 October 2026.
Ms. Ploytale also added that "During the festival from the pole-raising to the deity parade, over 40 shrines and 'Am' across Phuket will be filled with spiritual energy. It is expected that more than 140,000 visitors will come to Phuket during this festival period, mostly Thai tourists and foreigners from China, Singapore, and Malaysia. Accommodation bookings in Phuket City district have been especially strong, increasing about 10% from last year due to the festival's central activities being in the city area. Average occupancy rates are forecast to reach as high as 80%, while surrounding districts such as Kathu and Thalang remain at normal levels. The festival is expected to generate a circulating revenue and economic impact in Phuket of no less than 1.4 billion baht."