Queer joy – A look back at Pride Month in Thailand
As the most colourful month of the year comes to a close, we look back at some of the largest Pride celebrations in the ‘Land of Smiles’ with a spectrum of fond memories. With vibrant parades, musical performances, and inspiring speeches held across the Kingdom, 2023’s Pride Month in Thailand was bigger and better than ever before, and a glorious reminder of the queer community’s unwavering spirit.
Since the Stonewall riots of 1969, the month of June has been celebrated as Pride Month all over the world, and Thailand is no exception. This time of year sees what is already one of the most queer-embracing destinations on the planet become a total LGBTQ+ haven steeped in rainbows and Pride-themed events. If you are yet to experience Pride Month in Thailand, this is what it looks like!
The Bangkok Pride was an absolute triumph
Thailand’s gay capital, Bangkok, adopted Pride Month as an ‘official’ celebration in 2022 after Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced that it would be one of the 12 monthly festivals in the city. For two executive years since then, Bangkok has celebrated Pride Month in full throttle, ushering in thousands of visitors each year to experience the magic.
On the first Sunday of June, Bangkok stepped into Pride Month with the most extravagant parade the city has ever seen, led by the global lifestyle hub centralwOrld in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme. The procession moved from the Pathumwan intersection to the Pride stage at centralwOrld, bringing with it over 500 participants and an enormous 144.8-meter rainbow flag – the biggest we have ever seen!
The endless sea of spectators culminated at the Pride Stage for drag performances, mini-concerts, fashion shows and celebrations of gender diversity attended by provincial ambassadors, and representatives from the LGBTQ+ community.
Pattaya Pride weekend was wilder than ever
What do you get when you mix queer culture with abundant sunshine, beautiful beaches, and a thriving nightlife scene? You get the Pattaya International Pride Festival, of course.
In collaboration with the Central Pattaya department store, Thailand’s infamous coastal city hosted the Pattaya International Pride Festival 2023 on June 23-25, attracting both Thai and international tourists from all around to enjoy three days of beauty pageants, live music, and a spectacular Pride Parade. But it wasn’t the only rainbow-fuelled extravaganza that took place in Pattaya that weekend…
Circuit Festival Asia, the hottest international gay dance festival, returned to Pattaya to host the biggest party event of the season. The 3-day festival featured world-class DJs from the circuit scene along with some of the hottest GoGo dancers from across Asia and Europe.
Chiang Mai kicked off Pride Month in Thailand with a bang
On the 28th of May, Chiang Mai launched Pride Month in Thailand early with a spectacular parade in the city’s old town to campaign for equal marriage. The parade began at the Chiang Mai Religion Practise Centre on Tha Phae Road and proceeded through the Night Bazaar to the Tha Phae Gate courtyard, where crowds gathered to enjoy film screenings, performances, and even wedding ceremonies.
From colourful floats to show-stopping fashion statements, the Chiang Mai Pride parade left an indelible mark on everyone who attended. It was a time for self-expression and provided a platform for individuals to express themselves authentically and fearlessly.
Pride Month in Thailand is not just another month in the calendar; it is an embodiment of hope, courage, and resilience, and a celebration of the Thai queer community. It reminds us that true progress can only be achieved when we stand together in support of one another. So let your heart soar with pride as we immerse ourselves in the vibrant tapestry that is Thailand Pride Month – where love conquers all!
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