Proud moment: four things Thailand takes #Pride in
It’s that time of the year again: throughout the Pride month of June, we couldn’t be more thrilled to be celebrating love and diversity in Thailand! Considered among the most hospitable countries on the planet, the Thai Kingdom makes for an inviting escape for LGBT+ travellers on the lookout for tropical beaches, legendary nightlife, cultural immersion and so much more. While Southeast Asia’s most visited nation offers a lot in terms of Pride-themed celebrations at its LGBT+ venues in Bangkok, Phuket and beyond, taking pride in ourselves is arguably a daily exercise across Thailand: here’s what we’re especially proud of!
Our ancient roots
Once upon a time, there was a land called Thailand, referred to as ‘Siam’ until 1939, and known as a scattering of competing Kingdoms before that. The earliest human habitation in modern-day Thailand can be traced back to no less than 20.000 years ago, though a lot has happened since…
From the Sukhothai Kingdom, whose capital to this day boasts some of the most awe-inspiring temples of Asia, to the Ayutthaya Kingdom, where UNESCO-protected sacred sites still stand back to back. We’re so proud of our history, Thailand was among the earliest countries in the region to create dedicated historical parks and restore yesteryear’s palaces and monuments to their former glory!
Our astounding biodiversity and natural beauty
Ever come face to face with a turquoise-throated barbet bird or an odorrana aureola cliff frog? No? Well, that just means you haven’t been to Thailand: with its tropical climate and diverse habitats ranging from the mountainous north to the underwater worlds of the south, the Kingdom ranks among the most biodiverse countries on the planet – and we sure take pride in it!
To protect our natural beauty, Thailand is home to a whopping 147 national parks, 120 forest parks and roughly 60 wildlife sanctuaries – in fact, a total of 20% of Thai territory is either protected or dedicated to wildlife conservation. And most amazingly, holidaymakers get to experience many of these places through an increasing number of eco-tourism initiatives. Who wouldn’t be proud?
Our non-stop nightlife
One night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster… When the sun goes down and the lights come on in the Thai capital, locals and visitors from all over convene at Silom’s rainbow-coloured gay bars, Sukhumvit’s ultra-chic rooftop venues and, of course, outside the countless pubs and speakeasies lining Khao San Road.
Beyond its biggest city, Thailand offers some of Asia’s most light-hearted and fun-filled nightlife in party hotspots such as Pattaya and on Phuket’s west coast. A special experience are the many colourful cabarets that make for an utterly unforgettable way to kick off a night of celebrations – the performers truly are artists in their own right, and we love them for it!
Our stance on welcoming LGBT-travellers with open arms
World-famous for our hospitality, we take the utmost of pride in helping all our visitors have the vacation of a lifetime, regardless of how they identify or whom they love: in Thailand, we stand behind our belief that diversity is amazing and people are at their happiest when they can be their authentic selves!
If you’re planning a trip to Thai shores with your other half or chosen family, or even just all by yourself, we hope you have a fabulous stay filled with cultural experiences, memorable wildlife encounters, a wild night out – or two, or three – and plenty of fun. Happy Pride from all of us!