The Big Buddha is closed to the public

Today, on September 4, 2024, one of Phuket’s main attractions, the Big Buddha statue, was closed to tourists.

The reason for this closure is an ongoing investigation into the tragedy that occurred on August 23, when a landslide took the lives of 13 people. The landslide began near the Big Buddha parking lot, which allegedly occupied more land than legally permitted.

It is still unclear how the investigation will conclude and when the Buddha will be reopened for visitors. There is a possibility that all structures, including the Buddha statue itself, may be dismantled.