Phuket –
After years of anticipation, the revered Phra Phuttha Mingmongkol Eknakakiri, widely known as the “Big Buddha,” will officially welcome worshippers and visitors on March 3, 2026, coinciding with the sacred Buddhist holiday of Makha Bucha. The opening marks a milestone for both spiritual devotion and cultural tourism in Phuket.
Our previous stories:
Thirteen people have been found dead including two Russian nationals after a landslide in Karon on Friday early in the morning (August 23rd).
The Phuket Big Buddha on the Nerk Kerd Mountain is temporarily closed for tourism.
Now for the update:
The site will now be managed solely by Wat Kittisangkharam (Wat Kata), ensuring transparency and consistency. Five resident monks from the temple will oversee religious activities under the guidance of Phra Khru Wisutthikittiyaporn, the abbot of Wat Kata, alongside the temple’s administrative committee.
To reinforce clarity and unity, the site will carry its new official name as Wat Kittisangkharam Temple but locall still call as Big Buddha.”
Visiting Hours and Religious Practices
• Open daily from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Religious ceremonies will follow the same practices as Wat Kittisangkharam, ensuring full alignment with Buddhist traditions.
• The designated area spans 15 rai (approximately 24,000 square meters), officially approved by the Royal Forest Department. Operations strictly adhere to 25 regulatory conditions, which paved the way for the reopening.
Organizers emphasized that the current management has no connection to the former foundation that previously oversaw the site. This restructuring ensures compliance with legal standards and strengthens public trust.
The reopening of the Big Buddha on Makha Bucha Day invites Buddhists and visitors alike to witness the beginning of a new era of devotion. As one of Phuket’s most iconic landmarks, the statue now stands not only as a symbol of spiritual reverence but also as a cultural beacon welcoming the world.
