Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkhon Akenakkiri, better known as Phuket's "Big Buddha," officially reopened on March 3, Makha Bucha Day. One of the objectives is to restore its status as a key center of faith and cultural tourism in the province.
On March 2, on the grounds of the Khao Nak Khiri Buddhist Park where the Big Buddha is located, the committee of Wat Kittisangkaram (Wat Kata) held an alms-giving ceremony for monks. The ceremony was dedicated, in part, to the memory of those who died in the landslide on August 27, 2024. This tragedy claimed the lives of 13 people.
The reopening of the Big Buddha will be managed exclusively by Wat Kittisangkaram (Wat Kata). Five monks from Wat Kata, under the guidance of abbot Phra Kru Wisutthikitthiyaporn and the temple committee, will take on all administrative functions. The complex's opening hours are daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Earlier, in February, Phra Kru Wisutthikitthiyaporn confirmed that the temple had received permission to open from the Phuket Forestry Center (under the jurisdiction of the Royal Forest Department). After receiving permission, the temple accelerated the preparation and improvement of the area following its long closure. Initially, access for Buddhists and tourists was planned for February, but the opening was then timed to coincide with the auspicious day of Makha Bucha, which fell on March 3.
Later, in July 2025, foundation chairman Suphon Wanichakun told journalists that the Big Buddha would be reopened to visitors despite ongoing legal difficulties related to pending court cases. The foundation chairman rejected the claims and disagreed with the attributed cause of the landslide, insisting it was a natural disaster.
Despite the Big Buddha having currently received permission to receive citizens and tourists, Mr. Chalermpong Sangdee, a member of parliament for Phuket, expressed concern regarding the safety of the complex's structure.
"Personally, I am concerned, especially about the pending court cases, as well as the safety measures to prevent landslides. This is what worries local residents," Mr. Chalermpong stated this week.
When asked about attempts to verify how donations to the temple are used, the MP confirmed: "I submitted a request for an audit, but it was not possible to verify it."
"If the temple committee manages this place, I would like the use of donations to be transparent and clearly explained to the people. I would not want this to turn into a Buddhist business, into profit-making, because the Big Buddha area is an important landmark of Phuket."
When asked if he was confident that measures taken since the incident were sufficient, Mr. Chalermpong replied: "I cannot be sure, because no expert or agency has clearly stated that landslides will not recur. Such things are difficult to predict."