LGBTQ
- Thailand News
UN unveils toolkit to improve chemsex healthcare access
UN agencies have unveiled a novel toolkit aimed at enhancing healthcare access for those engaging in chemical sex, or chemsex, while minimising stigma. This initiative was launched during a two-day symposium in Bangkok, underscoring a commitment to improving health services for individuals involved in chemsex, a practice involving drug use to intensify or extend sexual experiences. The Joint United Nations…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s LGBTQI+ discrimination costs the economy big time
Thailand’s economy is losing billions, and discrimination is the culprit. A new report by Open for Business reveals that LGBTQI+ exclusion is costing the nation a staggering 51.8 to 121.8 billion baht annually. This shocking figure comes from a mix of lost wages, healthcare costs, and missed economic opportunities, all linked to ongoing discrimination against the LGBTQI+ community. The report,…
- Thailand News
Marriage equality approved, LGBTQA+ couples to wed in 120 days
King Rama X yesterday approved the Marriage Equality Bill allowing LGBTQA+ couples in Thailand to officially marry in 120 days after the approval. The movement to allow LGBTQA+ couples to legally register their marriages in Thailand began 23 years ago, in 2001, when former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was in office. However, Thai society had not yet widely recognised the…
- Phuket News
Thailand aims to host InterPride World Conference 2025
Thailand is reaffirming its commitment to LGBTQIA2S+ rights and preparing to bid for the InterPride World Conference in 2025, with further aspirations to host WorldPride in 2030. The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) held an event titled Thailand Announcement — Unity in Action: Thailand’s Next Steps in Equality to celebrate the passing of the Marriage Equality Bill and to…
- Thailand News
Debate over gender-neutral toilets gains traction in Thailand
The debate over the concept of gender-neutral toilets in Thai society has sparked widespread discussion online. The issue arose after a proposal for exclusive LGBTQIA+ toilets was put forward, prompting questions about the feasibility of gender-neutral restrooms in Thailand. As many countries, including Thailand, become more inclusive of LGBTQIA+ communities, laws such as the Marriage Equality Act have been enacted…
- Cannabis
Cannabis and inclusivity in Thailand
Thailand has a thriving cannabis industry that draws in crowds from a variety of nationalities, groups, and even differing opinions. When it comes to acceptance, there are a variety of hobbies and groups of people that are welcome here. With that, there is an appeal to Thailand’s cannabis scene that extends to the LGBTQ+ community. Cannabis itself embodies a more…
- Lifestyle
LGBTQ+ challenges and triumphs of rights and representation in Thailand
Thailand is celebrated for its generally accepting social attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly evident in vibrant urban hubs like Bangkok’s Silom Road and Pattaya’s Boyztown. These areas serve as vital community centres and nightlife destinations. Cultural nuances and social acceptance In urban settings such as Bangkok’s Silom Road, venues like DJ Station and Telephone Pub are renowned for their inclusive…
- Thailand News
Tying the knot: Thailand Senate approves same-sex marriage bill
Thailand is set to become the first nation in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex marriage following the Senate’s approval of a marriage equality bill today. This monumental milestone was passed with an overwhelming majority, with 130 senators in favour and only four against. The bill now awaits the king’s endorsement before it can become law. Once approved, the law will…
- Thailand News
Thailand is fast becoming a global LGBTQIA+ hub
Thailand is on the brink of becoming the ultimate destination for the LGBTQIA+ community, thanks to its welcoming environment, progressive policies, and the recent launch of the Pink Plus Economy initiative. This revolutionary move, announced on Sunday by Borderless.lgbt, aims to create a supportive ecosystem for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Thailand, encompassing living, family planning, and retirement. The initiative is backed…
- Guides
Boosting HIV awareness in Thailand’s LGBTQ+ community
Thailand’s LGBTQ+ community has some difficult hurdles when it comes to HIV awareness. Even with all the efforts, there’s still a gap in how much people know and can access information. Many gay men, other MSM, and transgender people still don’t have a full understanding of HIV. Community groups are struggling too as a lot of them depended on government…
- Press Room
Bangkok Pride Festival marks a grand Pride month celebration in Bangkok’s bustling Rama 1 Road and Siam area
Bangkok Pride Parade marked Bangkok’s grand celebration of Pride Month and marked a major milestone for Thailand to become the first Southeast Asia country to legalize same-sex marriage. The rainbow parade attracted more than 200,000 attendees and spectators and spanned along the bustling Rama 1 Road. Bangkok Pride Parade is hosted by Bangkok Pride and The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)…
- Things To Do
Bangkok Pride events 2024: Where to celebrate Pride Month
June is finally here, and that can only mean one thing: it’s Pride Month, and Bangkok’s LGBTQIAN+ community is ready for a month-long celebration. From fabulous parades to epic dance parties to events dedicated to advocating for equal rights, the city is set to showcase its rainbow-wrapped glory like never before! And if you’re looking for the best things to…
- Guides
Diversity in the LGBT Spectrum
The LGBT Spectrum is like a colourful quilt of identities and experiences that stretch way beyond just lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. At the heart of it, this spectrum includes everything from asexual and intersex to nonbinary and so much more. It’s all about making sure everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from, feels supported and…
- Thailand News
Myanmar couple makes history at Thai Pride parade
Denied the chance to celebrate their union in their homeland, where LGBTQ individuals face persecution and imprisonment, a Burmese same-sex couple sought peace and happiness in the more tolerant kingdom next door. The couple, Nyan and Mae, tied the knot in front of thousands at the annual Pride parade in Chiang Mai. The late-night ceremony on Sunday was only symbolic…
- Business News
Brands accused of rainbow washing during Pride Month
Throughout June, rainbow flags adorn many city streets globally in celebration of Pride Month, symbolising the ongoing struggle for civil rights and the pursuit of equality for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Brands and companies often show their support by incorporating rainbows into their logos or changing their profile pictures to feature rainbow graphics during this time. However, when June ends, these displays…
- Guides
Transgender rights in Thailand: A path to equality
In the vibrant landscape of Thailand, a crucial societal issue is unfolding – the protection and recognition of transgender rights. Thailand now stands on the brink of an opportunity to align its global reputation on LGBT issues with its obligations under international human rights law. The journey towards true equality is complex and challenging, but an essential step towards a…
- Thailand News
Thai school embraces LGBTQ rights: Students enjoy hair freedom
In a groundbreaking move that left students beaming with “Pride,” Boon Wattana School in Nakhon Ratchasima is now allowing LGBTQ students to wear their hair in a style that best reflects their gender identity. This progressive measure has seen many male students proudly sporting shoulder-length hair, a privilege previously reserved only for female students. Panwarit Patwimonsilp, a 16 year old…
- Thailand News
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…
- Phuket News
Phuket gears up for Discover Phuket Pride 2024 to boost tourism
Phuket City Municipality, in its drive to bolster tourism and uphold inclusivity, is preparing for the forthcoming Discover Phuket Pride 2024 @ Old Town festival. Set to take place on Saturday, June 29, the event is designed to commemorate the LGBTQ+ community and contribute to the urban area’s economic expansion. The announcement of the event by Saroj Angkhanapilas, the Mayor…
- Thailand News
Thailand aims to host 2025 InterPride World Conference
Thailand is setting its sights on becoming the inaugural Asian host of the InterPride World Conference in 2025. This intention was announced by the Director of the Mega Events and Festival Department under the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Harisuda Boonyawat. The InterPride World Conference is a yearly congregation of Pride organisers worldwide. It serves as a platform for…
- Guides
The journey of LGBT Thailand
In Thailand, the perception of a welcoming atmosphere for LGBT individuals paints a picture of acceptance that many countries strive for. However, the layers of reality for the LGBT community in this Southeast Asian nation tell a more complex story. This overview seeks to unravel the contrasts within Thailand’s approach to LGBT issues, not just the progress made but also…
- Thailand News
LGBTQ+ couples flock to homophobic countries for honeymoons
A recent survey unveiled that LGBTQ+ couples are setting their sights on honeymoon destinations where homosexuality remains illegal, defying conventional norms. Dubai, the Maldives, East Africa, and the Caribbean are just some of the places identified by LGBTQ+ couples as dream honeymoon spots, according to Kuoni’s latest LGBTQ+ Honeymoon report. While 44% of respondents prioritise the overall destination experience over…
- Thailand News
Violent clash between Thai and Filipina trans groups rocks Bangkok
Chaos erupted early this morning outside a hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 11 when a violent confrontation broke out between Thai and Filipina ladyboys. The Thai group assembled in response to an incident today, March 5, where a Thai ladyboy was assaulted and robbed by a group of about 20 Filipina ladyboys. Tensions heightened as the Thai group demanded justice, leading…
- Thailand News
Thai Cabinet rejects gender recognition bill, citing crime concerns
The Thai Cabinet yesterday rejected the proposed Act on Gender Recognition, Title, and Protection of Gender Diversity, citing concerns about false identities if people are allowed to use preferred titles. The titles of people in the LGBTQA+ community have been trending on Thai social media since a transgender model, Phacharanat “Mimi” Nobantao, questioned why Thai citizens were unable to choose their…
- Thailand News
Sex-reassignment surgeries covered by national health insurance, says NHSO Secretary-General
After a social media debate on whether the gold card benefits can cover sex-reassignment surgeries, Dr Jadet Thammathacharee, Secretary-General of the National Health Security Office (NHSO), clarified on December 2, that these surgeries have been part of the national health insurance benefits since 2018, with no exclusion clause. Dr Jadet explained that the announcement by the National Health Security Committee…
- Thailand News
Thailand eyes growth in pink economy by attracting international LGBTQ+ retirees
Thailand’s potential to expand its pink economy through the attraction of international LGBTQ+ retirees was the highlight of a recent conference held in Bangkok. Dr Chaiwat Songsiriphan, who is the founder and medical director of the Safe Clinic, emphasised that Thailand’s high tolerance for gender diversity could make it an ideal retirement destination for the LGBTQ+ community. He further noted that…
- Business News
LGBTQ+ tourism revenue boom fuels drive for legalised same-sex marriage in Thailand
Thailand is witnessing a surge in the burgeoning LGBTQ+ community, as diversity takes centre stage worldwide, boosting LGBTQ+ tourism in the country. As per estimates by LGBT Capital, an asset management company serving the LGBTQ community, 5 to 10% of the world’s population identifies as LGBTQ+. This demographic represented around 3.6 million residents in Thailand in 2019. During Pride Month…
- Thailand News
LGBTQ+ rights: US and UK envoys strengthen support in Thailand
In a reaffirmation of their commitment towards promoting LGBTQ+ rights across the globe, the United States and the United Kingdom have taken a significant initiative to support Thailand in its valorous efforts. This came as a collective resolve showcased at the US-UK Annual Pride Event that took place on June 23 with the theme, ‘United in Love 2023.’ The event…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya parades: International PRIDE and Festival march to be hosted simultaneously
Pattaya is gearing up for a spectacular day on June 24, 2023, as the city prepares to host two major parades simultaneously. The International PRIDE Parade and Pattaya Festival Parade are set to attract thousands of participants and visitors, while also causing traffic disruptions in the area. The International PRIDE Parade will kick off the day’s celebrations, with a colourful…
- Hot News
A question that matters: What is a woman?
The question that had so many politicians stumped recently, a question that five years ago would make you think, why are you asking me such an obvious question? Well, it’s not 2018 anymore and the definition of a woman is no longer based on chromosomes and one’s ability to menstruate and mother a child. As we see in the recent…
