15 - 30 Aug 2008 (annual)

Ancient Chinese tradition states that the gates of Hades burst open to unleash restless spirits, or “Hungry Ghosts”, during the seventh Chinese month (ninth in Thailand). Phuket, with its large ethnic Chinese population, celebrates with the Por Tor Festival.

A hungry spirit can soon be a malicious one, so relatives pay their respects and appease them with gifts of food. The most popular offerings are turtle cakes. The turtle symbolises longevity and by giving these cakes the worshippers believe they will prolong their own lives.

This is also a time to pay homage to the god of the devils, known to the Chinese as Por Tor Kong. The god has a special shrine on Phuket (near the Bang Neaw School) where a stage is erected for likay (a Thai folk performance) and outdoor movies.