‘Phuket Tastival’ held at Saphan Hin
The latest in a long list of food festivals that have or are due to take place across the island as part of a drive to boost tourism and aid the local economy was held at Saphan Hin Park last weekend.
“Phuket Tastival Seafood and Gastronomy: ‘Roi-Yok-Lo’” was officially inaugurated by Phuket Vice Governor Anupap Rodkwan Yodrabam, who was joined at the ceremony by Rewat Areerob, President of Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO, or OrBorJor); Phuket City Mayor Sarot Angkhanapilas; Woranit Aphirat Jirawong from the Phuket Commerce office and various representatives from government agencies and the private sector.
Budget had been allocated from the Ministry of Commerce to the Phuket Provincial Commercial Office to carry out an integrated seafood promotional activity that would highlight Phuket’s position as a UNESCO-recognised creative city in the field of gastronomy and attract tourists.
The festival would also help reinvigorate the local economy, still reeling after the detrimental impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It would generate income that would be distributed fairly among local farmers and seafood vendors while also raising awareness and continuing to promote Phuket’s domestic and international marketing strategy.
Similar themed festivals that have occurred island-wide in recent weeks, including at Saphan Hin, Karon, Kamala, Nai Yang, Phuket Town and Cherng Talay, all of which aimed to boost local tourism and the economy. It was also recently announced that a Roi Rim Lay festival will be held at the Sarasin Bridge in Mai Khao to coincide with the upcoming Songkran Festival on Apr 11-12.
“Phuket Tastival” at Saphan Hin ran until Monday (Apr 4) and saw numerous stalls selling fresh seafood produce by the kilo that could be bought and cooked on-site at a designated grilling area. Additionally there were stalls and food trucks selling traditional Thai food and local arts and crafts goods.
During the opening ceremony last Saturday (Apr 2), Japanese-style Yakisoba cooking was showcased as well as demonstrations of otsukiri and salmon cutting techniques.
There was live music and cultural entertainment shows each evening and all Phuket residents and visitors to the island were encouraged to visit and enjoy the festivities, which were all conducted while respecting COVID-19 health and safety protocols.