Phuket Pride 2024 parade route confirmed for Old Town celebration

Phuket Town Mayor Saroj Angkanapilas confirmed the route for the Discover Phuket Pride 2024 parade, set to take place on the streets of Phuket Old Town tomorrow, June 29.

Thousands are expected to join the celebration, led by a star-studded lineup of Thai celebrities, including actress Grace Patsita, singer Mum Laconics, actors Tae Nanthasai, Biw Nattapon, Big Nathaschai, and actress Tai Chatchadaporn. Beauty pageant celebrities Mainta Farmer (Miss Thailand 2022), Tharina Botes (Miss Thailand World 2024), and Phuket’s own Lin Malin (Miss Grand Thailand 2024) will also participate.

The parade will start at Queen Sirikit Park on Thalang Road at 5pm, following an assembly from 2pm. The route will wind through the streets of Phuket Old Town, with festivities centred at the Chartered Bank Intersection continuing until midnight. A formal ceremony is scheduled for 7pm.

Phuket City Municipality has adorned major attractions in rainbow colours to mark the Pride celebrations. Notable features include the Rainbow Bear—a large inflatable teddy bear standing several storeys high near the Chartered Bank Intersection—and rainbow pedestrian crossings. Other key landmarks, such as Nong Ya Ya at Suriyadej Circle, have also been decorated.

Six Pride checkpoints are set up throughout the town for photo opportunities. Participants who take photos at all six checkpoints and post them online with the hashtag #IDiscoverPhuketPRIDE can win prizes, with winners announced on July 5. Additionally, a Pride Wall at the dragon statue in Queen Sirikit Park allows people to leave supportive messages for Pride Month.

In his announcement of the Discover Phuket Pride events, Mayor Saroj highlighted the collaborative effort between the municipality, government agencies, civil society groups, and the private sector. The initiative aims to showcase Phuket as a welcoming destination for all and to foster understanding and acceptance of diverse sexualities in society, reported Phuket News.

“Phuket, known internationally as a tourist hotspot, embraces its status as a city open to various rights and diversities. Among these is the LGBTQ+ community, which advocates for the rights of individuals with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.

“Discover Phuket Pride 2024 promises to be a celebration of diversity, equality, and unity, reinforcing Phuket’s reputation as an inclusive and welcoming destination for all travellers. With its blend of cultural heritage, entertainment, and advocacy, the event is set to become a highlight on Phuket’s annual calendar, attracting visitors from around the world.”