LGBTQ
- Best of
Unforgettable LGBTQ bars in Bangkok for party lovers
In Thailand, Mai Pen Rai—meaning no big deal—is the national catchphrase for, well, just about everything. And guess what? That laid-back, fun-loving attitude extends to its buzzing LGBTQ scene too! As one of the most pro-LGBTQ nations, Thailand is packed with the most fun, exciting, and downright legendary spots to get drunk and connect with fellow friends in Bangkok’s diverse…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s marriage equality law requires effective implementation
Following the introduction of the Marriage Equality Law in Thailand, experts highlight the need for effective implementation and support for the LGBTQ+ community. A recent forum titled Marriage Equality: From Diverse Viewpoint to Effective Legal Implementation, organised by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and Thammasat University, addressed how to enact the law inclusively. Academics specialising in gender studies acknowledged that…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s LGBTQ tourism surge as spending hits record high
Thailand is fast becoming the globe’s top LGBTQ travel destination, with spending among LGBTQ tourists skyrocketing 38% to over 73,000 baht per trip, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The number of first-time LGBTQ visitors has also jumped 19.9%, signalling a major shift in the country’s tourism landscape. Following the Marriage Equality Act, LGBTQ travellers have increasingly inquired…
- Crime News
LGBTQ protest in Pathum Thani after violent soup attack
Yesterday, February 8, a large gathering of over 500 LGBTQ people assembled near a condominium in Khlong Luang district, Pathum Thani province, calling for accountability after an incident involving a hot soup attack. This confrontation followed a violent event on February 7, where a second-year student from a prominent private university was injured when hot soup was poured over him.…
- Hot News
Bangkok set for Thailand’s first legal same-sex marriages on January 23
Bangkok is making history as it prepares to offer Thailand’s first-ever legal same-sex marriage registrations starting January 23, 2025, following the enforcement of the Marriage Equality Act (Amendment No. 24, 2024). Thailand becomes the first Southeast Asian nation and third Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage following Taiwan in 2019 and Nepal in 2024, marking a historic step for LGBTQ+…
- Pattaya News
Tying the knot: Pattaya hosts free LGBTQ+ weddings
Royal Garden Plaza Pattaya is gearing up to host a significant event on Valentine’s Day, February 14, marking Thailand’s historic Marriage Equality Law with free wedding ceremonies for LGBTQ+ couples. Pattaya Marriage Equality Celebration 2025 honours the law’s official enactment on January 23, with support from Pattaya City and various partners. Seven LGBTQ+ couples will be chosen to have their…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s big love leap: Same-sex couples to wed starting January
Thailand is rolling out the rainbow carpet as the Marriage Equality Bill is set to become law on January 22, making the nation a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights in Asia. Following its royal endorsement by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and publication in the Royal Gazette on September 24, the countdown to this historic milestone has officially begun.…
- 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
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…
- Phuket News
Uproar over motorcycle accidents at Phuket’s rainbow crosswalk
A series of motorcycle accidents at the Rainbow Crosswalk at the Charter intersection in the Mueang Phuket district sparked widespread debate on social media. The vibrant crosswalk, a popular spot for tourists to take photos, became slippery during periods of rainfall, causing three to four motorcyclists to fall yesterday, July 10. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. In response to the…
- 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…
- 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…
- Cannabis News
Empowering equality: One-year launch of groundbreaking cannabis business by renowned LGBTQIA+ activist
June 22 will mark a significant milestone in the journey towards inclusivity and empowerment within the cannabis industry with the launch of High Maa-Lai’s Pride Party, a pioneering event spearheaded by Niran Hora, a prominent LGBT activist renowned for his tireless advocacy towards LGBTQIA+ gig worker equality and justice. Combining a passion for cannabis and a commitment to LGBTQIA+ rights,…
- 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…
- 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…
- Thailand News
LGBTQ+ community migrating Bangkok for freedom & fun’s sake
A Chinese real estate agent revealed the LGBTQ+ community is flocking to Bangkok to escape persecution and seek a new life that offers them more freedom. In 2019, 40 year old Owen Zhu’s real estate career was flourishing, with Chinese investors eagerly buying Bangkok properties, but the pandemic struck, halting travel and spending. Although Chinese buyers were slow to return, one…
- 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…
- 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…
- Guides
Legal challenges of same sex adoption in Thailand
Within the multifaceted and distinctive environment of Thailand, there’s a burgeoning topic that’s capturing significant interest – same sex adoption rights for LGBT couples. Unquestionably, strides have been taken with notable advancements like the Gender Equality Act in 2015. Nonetheless, in terms of all-encompassing equality, specifically on the matter of child adoption rights, this objective has not yet been completely…
- 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…
- 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
How to support LGBT rights
Nowadays, supporting LGBT rights and freedoms goes beyond mere advocacy; it’s about fostering an environment where every individual, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can live authentically without fear of discrimination or prejudice. This involves recognising that pro-LGBT beliefs are present across various religious traditions, thus reinforcing the notion that freedom of religion includes the right to support…
- 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
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…
