On October 2, 2024, the Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, chaired the raising of the Ko Teng pole ceremony, which is a symbol of the beginning of the Vegetarian Festival in Phuket Province. He also visited the activity booths organized by the Ministry of Labor’s agencies. The Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Governor of Phuket Province, Mr. Sopon Suwannarat, Deputy Governor of Phuket Province, Lieutenant Colonel Adul Chuthong, heads of government agencies under the Ministry of Labour in Phuket Province, and representatives from local administrative organizations gave a welcome. The private sector, as well as Phuket residents and both Thai and foreign tourists, wore white and joined the ceremony in large numbers at the Jui Tui Tao Bo Keng Shrine (Jui Tui Tao Bo Keng Foundation), Phuket Province.
Mr. Phiphat said that he was pleased and honoured to chair the raising of the Ko Teng pole ceremony, which is the symbol of the beginning of the Vegetarian Festival in Phuket Province today. When talking about the Vegetarian Festival or “Jia Chai,” people think of Phuket Province and the Jui Tui Bo Keng Shrine, which is the provincial shrine of Phuket Province that has been with the people of Phuket for more than 199 years. He congratulated and thanked the ancestors of Phuket for giving the people, the descendants of Phuket, this wonderful tradition to continue. It was also announced by the Department of Cultural Promotion as “inscribed on the list of cultural heritage in terms of social practices, rituals, traditions, and festivals.” In addition, it is a source of pride for the people of Phuket and the entire nation that Phuket Province has received the “World Festival and Event City” award, which demonstrates Phuket Province’s readiness to be a host city for world-class events and festivals. In addition to the World Festival and Event City awards, the “Vegetarian Festival” also won the “Grand Pinnacle” award, which is the highest award given by the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA). It is considered a continuation of local traditions and cultures that are the identity of the city and are reflected through the festivals.
Mr. Phiphat continued that in 2024, Phuket Province was declared as the World Festival and Event City. The Vegetarian Festival received the Grand Pinnacle Award, the highest award from the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA). On behalf of the government and the Ministry of Labour, he thanked all organizing committees for their part in preserving this sacred tradition. The Ministry of Labour’s agencies in Phuket organized booths providing services to the public, including registration of informal workers, career guidance, career clinics, recruitment of labour standard assessments and freelance training, knowledge and consultation on labour protection laws, occupational safety, and public relations to create awareness of social security work, along with the recruitment of insured persons under Section 40.
“I would like to thank all parties who have joined in organizing this event and invite everyone to attend from October 3 to 7. This event will create jobs and careers and promote the use of local raw materials to generate income, drive the local economy, and build a reputation for the country,” said Mr. Phiphat.
