Phuket gears up for annual Makha Bucha national Buddhist holiday

The bustling town of Phuket is set to observe a moment of stillness as the main Phuket Immigration Office, alongside other government establishments, prepares to halt operations for the upcoming Makha Bucha national Buddhist holiday on Monday, February 26. This sacred holiday not only brings about a day of rest for public offices but also a countrywide prohibition on alcohol sales for a full 24 hours.

The revered Makha Bucha event unfolds each year on the full moon night of the third lunar month. This auspicious occasion commemorates the Buddha’s inaugural significant sermon. Legend has it that seven months post the initiation of Buddha’s teachings, an unplanned gathering of 1,250 monks materialised.

During this congregation, Buddha ordained the monks, imparting to them the fundamental tenets of Buddhism – to renounce all evil, to perform only virtuous deeds, and to purify the mind.

The day typically commences with Thai devotees performing acts of merit by offering alms to monks in the morning. As dusk falls, the temples are thronged with followers eager to participate in sermons and engage in the candlelight ritual, known as wien tien.

This ritual involves followers circumambulating the temple thrice in a clockwise direction, carrying with them flowers, incense, and a lit candle.

For those looking to partake in the Makha Bucha observances, popular temple destinations include Wat Chalong, Wat Phra Thong, Wat Khao Rang, Phuket Big Buddha, Wat Mai Luang Pu Supha, and Wat Srisoonthorn.

No alcohol

The prohibition on alcohol sales during the 24 hours of Makha Bucha day, extending from midnight on Sunday to midnight on Monday, is a mandate by law. Introduced by the Prime Minister’s Office on January 22, 2015, this ban also applies to four other religious holidays – Visakha Bucha, Asarnha Bucha Day, Khao Pansa, and Wan Org Pansa. Anyone found in violation of this ban could potentially face a prison sentence of up to six months, a fine of 10,000 baht, or both.

In addition to the Immigration Office, other government offices such as District Offices and the local Department of Land Transportation office will remain closed on Monday. While the main branches of banks will be shut, certain branches located within shopping malls will continue to serve customers.

Thailand Post branches and kiosks situated in shopping malls will also continue to operate normally. However, hospitals will only provide emergency and ongoing regular treatments, suspending ancillary services such as weight loss and skin care. All Royal Thai Police and Tourist Police stations will remain operational, and some local consulates will stay open to cater to their respective citizens.