Thailand, Travel + Leisure‘s Destination 2025 of the Year legalized gay marriages in January 2025. It was the first South Asian state to do so. Thailand’s Pride celebrations are attracting tourists from around the world.
Bangkok It was hot during the pride festival. The humid air meant that the makeup ran and clothing stuck to the dampened skin. And the large crowds did not find much relief under the shade. It didn’t stop the excitement. The parades included flags and signs as well as marching bands, floats and flags. Bangkok Pride Festival It was a great party.
In addition to the Thais, attendees came from all over. Bo Han, a young man who has lived in Thailand for 3 years, attended his first festival. He said: “I am originally from Myanmar.” Travel + Leisure. “My country’s very conservative and traditional. “I feel at home here because it’s very open and I like the atmosphere.”
The number of attendees at the Bangkok Pride Festival in 2018 was around 300,000. This is an increase compared to 2024 when there were only 250,000. By comparison, the world’s largest pride festivals, including in São Paulo, New York, Toronto, and Madrid, all have over one million attendees. Bangkok may not be home to the biggest celebration in the entire world, but the city might have the biggest in Asia. It even beats Taiwan’s record. 180,000 attendees In 2024.
Chompu Marusachot of the Tourism Authority of Thailand New York Office said, “This surge of attendance highlights Bangkok as a rising LGBTQIA+ destination within Asia.” “Government support played a crucial role. The Thai administration integrated Pride Month into its tourism strategy. These efforts are a part of Thailand’s broader goal to position Thailand as a global center for LGBTQIA+ and future host of World Pride, 2030.
This commitment helps to attract participants from all across the continent. Thailand is not only a destination for people from other Asian nations. Syd & Jamie, a couple of 20-year old Americans, moved to Bangkok, Thailand in May. Both women felt less welcome after the introduction and passage of anti-LGBTQIA legislation. Syd, seated on one of the giant Pride Flags that were rolled out at the end of the parade plaza, said “America is dangerous.” “At the very least, it’s one reason for me.”
They were eager to join the lesbian scene in the city, which is how they found out about the Pride Festival—it had been posted on the Les Hi Bar Instagram account for one of Bangkok’s most popular gay bars. The internet helps to promote Pride events in Thailand to a wider audience. In general, the U.S. is the most active market. GoThaiBeFree.comThe site is a planning tool for LGBTQIA+ travelers. China, Germany, the United Kingdom, and other countries account for around 10 percent of traffic.
Bangkok Pride’s international growth has been a net positive for the locals. Zymone was born in Bangkok and is a transgender woman. She has been a performer on Season Five of The Voice Thailand. Over time, she has witnessed an increase in cultural acceptance and celebrations both from Thais and tourists.
Zymone hosts a drag show at Lost & Found, a speakeasy with a diverse clientele ranging from a mix of tourists wandering in from the hotel and locals looking to enjoy the steampunk design and craft cocktails. In the past, only people from the LGBTQIA+ communities would attend celebrations. Now, more allies are also attending. That can be seen during the shows at Lost & Found: according to Zymone, a recent crowd included a mother and son, a straight couple from the UK, and a straight couple from France.
Zymone explained that some of the people who attend are not gay but come to show support and to have fun. “We’re art. Every year it’s bigger and bigger, it’s not just a place to come out and say ‘we are a couple,’ we come out as art … when people come for Pride Month, it actually makes it more special. It’s better for the world when we show people who we are.”
Thailand’s LGBTQIA+ offerings are not limited to just one city. Pride celebrations are held across the country in June. No matter where you are in Thailand, there will be celebrations. From a film fest in Krabi, to parades on Phuket and Pattaya.
Thailand was a popular tourist destination even before the law changed officially on January 23, 2025, allowing LGBTQIA+ couples legally to marry. LGBTQIA+ travelers. According to a recent survey, Phuket was rated as one of the best destinations for this year. Expedia survey.
Thailand’s reputation as an extremely accepting and welcoming country hasn’t come about by accident. The government and tourism board have been working together to spread the word about these changes. According to the Tourism Authority, LGBTQIA+ tourism is expected to bring Thailand an additional four million tourists every year, as well as $2 billion in revenue. It will also create 152,000 jobs and increase Thailand’s GDP by 0.3 percent.
Marusachot stated that “anecdotal evidence from hotel and private sector partner suggests a significant rise in LGBTQIA+ tourists attending events throughout the entire year, underscoring Pride celebrations across the country are a powerful driver of tourism.” “The legalization in Thailand of same-sex married couples, which will take place on January 20, 2025, should further enhance the appeal of Thailand as a LGBTQIA+ destination.”
Marusachot said that there will be an increased push in the future to attract more LGBTQIA+ tourists to Thailand. This will include more programming to “reinforce the reputation of the country as a welcoming and inclusive destination.” “Thailand celebrates its people as they are, their identities, and the love they have for each other.”
Zymone, who performs at festivals and MCs events across Bangkok, is hoping the increased popularity—and investment from the government and the public sector—will result in year-round celebrations of the LGBTQIA+ community.
“Pride Month will no longer be the only month for LGBT people,” she said. “It will be every month and everyone can hang out.”
