The Phuket Governor has called for all people taking part in this year’s Phuket Vegetarian Festival to refrain from throwing firecrackers and for the spirit mediums to tone down the face piercings in respect of the royal cremation of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival this year is to be held on Oct. 20-28, while the royal cremation for late King Bhumibol will be on Oct. 26, which has been declared a public holiday.
“There will be no, or only a few, piercings, and no large or unusual weapons since the main highlight will be for people to reflect and meditate in respect of our former Majesty, King Bhumibol,” Gov. Norraphat Plodthong said.
Selling firecrackers without permission will be prohibited, and Phuket officials will launch a campaign to warn festival goers against throwing the tiny explosives.
Officials were also ordered to counter any potential price gouging during the festival, a common practice by unscrupulous vendors looking to take advantage of the nine-day festival.
Check out Coconuts Bangkok’s photo essay on the ma song, or spirit mediums, who partake in extreme face piercings at Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival here.
Phuket celebrates Vegetarian Festival with blood, swords, and spirits (PHOTO ESSAY)
Story: The Phuket News
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