PHUKET: Six enchanted mah song warriors taking part in processions from three Chinese Taoist temples today required stitches for facial wounds, the Director of Phuket Public Health, Dr Bancha Kakong, said.

''The people involved also lost too much blood,'' he said. ''They were treated for self-inflicted wounds.''

Participants in Phuket's annual Vegetarian Festival are advised to limit their piercings to traditional skewers. However, the piercings sometimes become a competition to see which warrior can maintain the most piercings.

Unusual piercings such as handguns, beach umbrellas or the trunks of large shrubs have also become part of parade one-upmanship.

Women have taken a more prominent role over the past few years but their piercings have so far been smaller and less likely to require ambulance trips to hospital.

Today's parades were from the Bangku, Mai Khaow and Sapam temples, with parades scheduled from the larger, more famous temples over the next few days.

Participants have been advised not to use large, dangerous fireworks. One spectator has already been treated for fireworks injuries.

Volunteers have seized larger crackers on sale, capable of causing serious injury.

Anyone aiming to see a parade is advised to wear safety goggles, earplugs and a surgical mask.

Many of the participants cover their heads in towels to protect them from the noise and the smoke.

The festival, held over nine days, attracts increasingly large crowds because it continues traditions that have been suppressed in China by the communist government.

Western health and safety standards, however, do not apply.

The finale on October 21 in the streets of Old Phuket Town usually produces an amazing amount of noise, smoke and excessive devotion as the possessing spirits are forced back into the sea for another year.