LGBTQ
- 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.…
- Bangkok News
Thailand’s first LGBTQ+ couple registers marriage on historic day
History was made in Bangkok as Thailand celebrated its first official day of equal marriage. Organised by Narumit Pride, alongside numerous government and civil society organisations, the event marked the start of marriage registration for LGBTQ+ couples nationwide, turning a long-awaited dream into reality. At 6.15am, the first couple, 33 year old Ploynapas Jirasukon and 32 year old Kwanporn Kongphet…
- 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
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,…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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
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
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
Pheu Thai Party’s Danuporn Punnakan leads Same-sex Marriage Committee in Thailand
A significant stride towards equality has been achieved with the appointment of Danuporn Punnakan, a representative of the Pheu Thai Party, as the chair of the Same-sex Marriage Committee. The committee includes representatives from various sectors, with a particular focus on individuals from the public and the LGBTQ+ community. This collective endeavour aims to review and revise the legislation related…