Bangkok holds five-day Pride fest to boost LGBTQ+ tourism

Thailand is gearing up to host a five-day Pride event in Bangkok, aiming to establish itself as Asia’s rainbow capital. This event, organised by the government alongside private and civil sectors, will feature a series of activities running from May 31 to June 4 under the theme Celebration of Love.

Ann Chumaporn, founder and president of the Bangkok Pride Parade, revealed that the festivities include a parade, concerts, public activities, and the Bangkok Pride Forum. She emphasised that the extended duration of this year’s event is intended to demonstrate Thailand’s capability to host major events like the 2025 Inter Pride Conference and the 2030 World Pride Parade.

“The reason we’re hosting [the event] over five days is to showcase Thailand’s ability to host bigger events, like the 2025 Inter Pride Conference and the 2030 World Pride parade.”

The event will also celebrate Thailand’s push to become the first country in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex unions while raising awareness of other issues affecting LGBTQ+ and other marginalised individuals and communities.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has confirmed his participation in the Pride parade, scheduled for June 1 from 3pm to 6pm. The parade will start at the National Stadium and conclude at the Ratchaprasong intersection.

In light of a recent alert from the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding a potential attack on LGBTQ+ individuals during Pride month celebrations, Chumaporn assured that security measures are a top priority.

“The organisers have always placed a lot of emphasis on security, as LGBTQ+ individuals often become a target of hate, especially in Asia.”

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will collaborate with the Royal Thai Police to ensure the event’s safety.

Last year, around 100,000 people participated in the event. This year, organisers expect at least 200,000 attendees.

Thapanee Kiatphaiboon, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), highlighted the significant economic contribution of LGBTQ+ travellers, noting they spend 40 times more than the average tourist. This year, pride events will be held in over 30 cities across Thailand, including Chiang Mai and Koh Samui in Surat Thani.

“However, in order to be a Pride destination, all of the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals must be met. We’d like to be one of the supporters of the community.”

Tourism and Sports Minister Sermsak Pongpanich, speaking at a recent seminar, stressed that LGBTQ rights extend beyond legal and regulatory amendments, encompassing improved accessibility to public resources and services, reported Bangkok Post.

“Not only will the Pride celebration help the government meet its target of generating 3.5 trillion baht in tourism-related revenue in 2024, it will help further cement Thailand’s international image as a fair, inclusive and progressive country.

“Our government sees LGBTQ individuals not as a burden but as an important force that could help Thailand advance in all aspects of life.”

Sermsak confirmed that ministry officials will join the parade to show their support for the LGBTQ+ communities.

ORIGINAL STORY: Thailand champions LGBTQ rights with World Pride 2030 bid

As Thailand gears up to potentially host the prestigious World Pride event in 2030, Siam Piwat Group is championing a progressive stance on LGBTQ rights.

The property and retail giant has launched the “Celebration: Right to Love” campaign in anticipation of the same-sex marriage bill’s enactment by the end of the year. This legislative milestone would position Thailand as the first Southeast Asian nation to legalise same-sex unions.

The Bangkok Pride parade, organised annually, is set to showcase the country’s commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion. LGBTQ activist and Bangkok Pride co-founder Chumaporn Taengkliang expressed ambitions to exhibit Thailand’s readiness to host World Pride.

“We are demonstrating that Thailand has truly supported diversity, equality and inclusion.”

Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra highlighted the additional benefits of the Pride events, such as boosting the nation’s economy and travel industry. The concept of a festival economy is central to the government’s strategy for economic growth, with Thai festivals being key drivers.

Paetongtarn also emphasised the significance of Pride events in propelling Bangkok’s candidacy for World Pride 2030, enhancing its reputation as a top global LGBTQ+ destination. Chumaporn added that this year’s parade will be historically significant as it will be the first to witness participation from a political leader.

Forums discussing education and human rights issues pertinent to the LGBTIQN+ community are also part of the Pride Month activities. Aimed to be Asia’s largest LGBTIQN+-related forum, the organiser seeks to extend the scope of pride activities nationwide, with aspirations to hold 100 events across Thailand.

The Celebration: Right to Love campaign by Siam Piwat Group encapsulates a variety of events and activities, including the Bangkok Pride Parade, the Bangkok Pride Forum, and the Drag Bangkok Festival, which will run from May 31 until June. Saruntorn Asaves, the head of the shopping centre division at Siam Piwat Group, sees Bangkok Pride as an opportunity to bolster Thailand’s image as a premier events destination.

The campaign is expected to draw over 200,000 participants, including international visitors, contributing to the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s projected 35 million tourist arrivals this year, reported Bangkok Post.

With such initiatives, Thailand is actively shaping its identity as an inclusive, diverse, and economically forward-thinking nation on the global stage.