Mixed holiday keeps Phuket temples and shop owners busy

PHUKET: Reverence for Makha Bucha Day outshined Valentine’s Day in Phuket, but flower shop owners benefited from the lovers’ day rush.

Local temples and flower shops had a busy day as Phuket residents flocked to make merit for Makha Bucha Day and ordered flowers for their loved ones.

Wat Wichit Sangkaram on Narisorn Road saw a high volume of visitors on this special Buddhist holiday (story here).

“Makha Bucha Day is an important day for Buddhists. We should concern ourselves with making merit at the temple and listening to sermons from the monks,” said 21-year-old Prattana Na Takuathung.

“Valentine’s Day is not from our culture, but it is very popular for teenagers. I think we can show our love every day, but Makha Bucha Day only happens once a year.”

Sumphan Tantisatrungsri, 17, echoed Ms Prattana’s opinion.

“I am a Buddhist, so I am more concerned with Makha Bucha Day,” Mr Sumphan said.

“However, Valentine’s Day is a good day; we can show our love to others. This year, I will show my love for my religion and my family by participating in Makha Bucha Day activities.”

Meanwhile, flower shop owners were busy with customers and pleased by the jump in flower prices caused by the increase in demand.

“Red roses went from 12 baht to 15 baht and white roses went from 22 baht to 25 baht. The highest quality flowers went from 80 baht to 100 baht,” said a 45-year-old shop owner in Phuket Town.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong