Bangkok holds five-day Pride fest to boost LGBTQ+ tourism

[webfact]

 

Thailand is gearing up to host a five-day Pride event in Bangkok, aiming to establish itself as Asia’s rainbow capital. This event, organised by the government alongside private and civil sectors, will feature a series of activities running from May 31 to June 4 under the theme Celebration of Love.

 

Ann Chumaporn, founder and president of the Bangkok Pride Parade, revealed that the festivities include a parade, concerts, public activities, and the Bangkok Pride Forum. She emphasised that the extended duration of this year’s event is intended to demonstrate Thailand’s capability to host major events like the 2025 Inter Pride Conference and the 2030 World Pride Parade.

 

“The reason we’re hosting [the event] over five days is to showcase Thailand’s ability to host bigger events, like the 2025 Inter Pride Conference and the 2030 World Pride parade.”

The event will also celebrate Thailand’s push to become the first country in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex unions while raising awareness of other issues affecting LGBTQ+ and other marginalised individuals and communities.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has confirmed his participation in the Pride parade, scheduled for June 1 from 3pm to 6pm. The parade will start at the National Stadium and conclude at the Ratchaprasong intersection.

 

 

In light of a recent alert from the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding a potential attack on LGBTQ+ individuals during Pride month celebrations, Chumaporn assured that security measures are a top priority.

 

“The organisers have always placed a lot of emphasis on security, as LGBTQ+ individuals often become a target of hate, especially in Asia.”

 

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will collaborate with the Royal Thai Police to ensure the event’s safety.

Last year, around 100,000 people participated in the event. This year, organisers expect at least 200,000 attendees.

 

Thapanee Kiatphaiboon, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), highlighted the significant economic contribution of LGBTQ+ travellers, noting they spend 40 times more than the average tourist. This year, pride events will be held in over 30 cities across Thailand, including Chiang Mai and Koh Samui in Surat Thani.

“However, in order to be a Pride destination, all of the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals must be met. We’d like to be one of the supporters of the community.”

 

Tourism and Sports Minister Sermsak Pongpanich, speaking at a recent seminar, stressed that LGBTQ rights extend beyond legal and regulatory amendments, encompassing improved accessibility to public resources and services, reported Bangkok Post.

 

“Not only will the Pride celebration help the government meet its target of generating 3.5 trillion baht in tourism-related revenue in 2024, it will help further cement Thailand’s international image as a fair, inclusive and progressive country.

 

“Our government sees LGBTQ individuals not as a burden but as an important force that could help Thailand advance in all aspects of life.”

 

Sermsak confirmed that ministry officials will join the parade to show their support for the LGBTQ+ communities.

 

by Mitch Connor

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-05-21

 

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[ChipButty]

What a Gay day that will be

[impulse]

I certainly hope it's not about Thailand, but the US State Department has recently issued a travel warning around LGBTQ gatherings around the world, citing a risk of terror and/or violence.  I wonder if they know anything concrete?

 

Seems like this would be a good time for any US Embassy people to spill whatever they can...

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1327587-state-department-issues-travel-warning-for-lgbtq-pride-celebrations/

 

 

Edited May 21 by impulse

[SAFETY FIRST]

54 minutes ago, webfact said:

LGBTQ+ 

Crikey, these acronyms keep growing, it's expanded, not enough letters, had to add a mathematical element. 

 

🌈🏳️‍🌈🌈🏳️‍🌈🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🌈🏳️‍🌈🌈🏳️‍🌈🌈🏳️‍🌈🌈🏳️‍🌈🌈🏳️‍🌈

Edited May 21 by SAFETY FIRST

[klauskunkel]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has confirmed his participation in the Pride parade, scheduled for June 1 from 3pm to 6pm.

What socks you gonna wear?

[soalbundy]

The potential for an enormous hail Mary punch up just rose considerably by the look of what's on offer, Jesus, most of them would look ugly as men let alone as women.

[hotchilli]

11 minutes ago, klauskunkel said:

What socks you gonna wear?

Black... [can I say that]

[DPKANKAN]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

noting they spend 40 times more than the average tourist

5555 Should it not say that they "Steal or Pick Pocket 40 times more.."!!!!

[Jingthing]

2 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Crikey, these acronyms keep growing, it's expanded, not enough letters, had to add a mathematical element. 

 

🌈🏳️‍🌈🌈🏳️‍🌈🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🌈🏳️‍🌈🌈🏳️‍🌈🌈🏳️‍🌈🌈🏳️‍🌈🌈🏳️‍🌈

I stopped adding at LGBT. People know what you mean regardless.

[khaowong1]

Better there than my hometown.. Thanks Bangkok.  

[Ralf001]

love me some snags on the BBQ.

[stoner]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

noting they spend 40 times more than the average tourist.

 

this just sounds so silly. 

 

a normal tourist spends 400b on lunch means a lgbt tourist would spend 16000b. you got laughs mr. 

[thesetat]

9 hours ago, ChipButty said:

What a Gay day that will be

i can not imagine the fights that will occur there. My embassy has emailed warnings about it not to go. 

[Jingthing]

1 hour ago, stoner said:

 

this just sounds so silly. 

 

a normal tourist spends 400b on lunch means a lgbt tourist would spend 16000b. you got laughs mr. 

"Normal" tourist?

Come on man. 

I agree 40 sounds like an error. Maybe 4 if that.

Edited May 21 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

44 minutes ago, thesetat said:

i can not imagine the fights that will occur there. My embassy has emailed warnings about it not to go. 

Intentional distortion of actual news. The U.S. embassy has indeed warned that they have information that there may be terrorist attacks at some Pride Events globally. Nothing specific about Bangkok. People can decide for themselves about risk but many Pride Events are wisely paying more attention to security. If that isn't happening in Thailand, that's reckless.

[Jingthing]

1 hour ago, khaowong1 said:

Better there than my hometown.. Thanks Bangkok.  

Bangkok I'm sure is glad that you live in the boonies.

[richard_smith237]

In another thread, some were outspoke about LBGQT+ being pushed everywhere...   

 

This was met with accusations of bigotry...    So, at the risk of sounding like a bigot, is this not the very thing that alienates the LBGQT+ community from the general masses ???

 

... Why does there need to be a dedicated 5 days Pride-Fest just to boost tourism for the LBGQT+ minority - shouldn't Thailand be pushing to welcome ALL tourists and take measures to improve aspect of Thailand to boost tourism on a whole ??

 

I object to such notions of specifically marketing to the LBGQT+ community as it singles out their difference from the rest of society...    I object for the very same principles I'd object if Thailand had a 5 days 'hetro-fest' to boost tourism on married couples... 

 

 

 

[KhunLA]

1 hour ago, stoner said:

 

this just sounds so silly. 

 

a normal tourist spends 400b on lunch means a lgbt tourist would spend 16000b. you got laughs mr. 

Maybe they are referring to all the make up needed and amount of time to trowel it on.

 

And I thought Halloween was the end of October ... 

 

"It's Raining Men" ... just in time for rainy season

[KhunLA]

1 minute ago, richard_smith237 said:

In another thread, some were outspoke about LBGQT+ being pushed everywhere...   

 

This was met with accusations of bigotry...    So, at the risk of sounding like a bigot, is this not the very thing that alienates the LBGQT+ community from the general masses ???

 

... Why does there need to be a dedicated 5 days Pride-Fest just to boost tourism for the LBGQT+ minority - shouldn't Thailand be pushing to welcome ALL tourists and take measures to improve aspect of Thailand to boost tourism on a whole ??

 

I object to such notions of specifically marketing to the LBGQT+ community as it singles out their difference from the rest of society...    I object for the very same principles I'd object if Thailand had a 5 days 'hetro-fest' to boost tourism on married couples... 

Oh honey ... it's only one day ....

... oh wait, it's 'Pride Month"

 

Black History Month

Woman's History Month

 

When's 'white male month' ? ... never mind, that's racist and misogynist 

[Jingthing]

13 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

In another thread, some were outspoke about LBGQT+ being pushed everywhere...   

 

This was met with accusations of bigotry...    So, at the risk of sounding like a bigot, is this not the very thing that alienates the LBGQT+ community from the general masses ???

 

... Why does there need to be a dedicated 5 days Pride-Fest just to boost tourism for the LBGQT+ minority - shouldn't Thailand be pushing to welcome ALL tourists and take measures to improve aspect of Thailand to boost tourism on a whole ??

 

I object to such notions of specifically marketing to the LBGQT+ community as it singles out their difference from the rest of society...    I object for the very same principles I'd object if Thailand had a 5 days 'hetro-fest' to boost tourism on married couples... 

 

 

 

There is already that anti LGBT topic going. Why do you need to infect this one too? Can't you just leave it alone? You don't have to participate. It's obvious you already dislike and resent LGBT gay people. DIdn't your momma ever teach you to live and let live? Every topic touching on LGBT is ultimately dominated by bigoted posts.

[Jingthing]

8 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Oh honey ... it's only one day ....

... oh wait, it's 'Pride Month"

 

Black History Month

Woman's History Month

 

When's 'white male month' ? ... never mind, that's racist and misogynist 

Start white male month if you want to. Who's stopping you?

[Jingthing]

16 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Maybe they are referring to all the make up needed and amount of time to trowel it on.

 

And I thought Halloween was the end of October ... 

 

"It's Raining Men" ... just in time for rainy season

More of your predictable negative stereotyping and bigotry. Really pathetic. 

[stoner]

1 hour ago, Jingthing said:

"Normal" tourist?

Come on man. 

I agree 40 sounds like an error. Maybe 4 if that.

 

come on man what. i'm not the one who labeled the tourists in the first place into any category. should i have said cis gendered tourists ?  

 

there are tourist dollars nothing more. 

[stoner]

23 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

"It's Raining Men" ... just in time for rainy season

 

that song is so outdated. it should be its raining them. 

[Jingthing]

7 minutes ago, stoner said:

 

that song is so outdated. it should be its raining them. 

OK I'll give you that one as it was actually funny! Instead of the usual stupid and mean. 

 

Naturally it's not an original idea though:

 

Edited May 21 by Jingthing

[richard_smith237]

Just now, Jingthing said:

15 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

In another thread, some were outspoke about LBGQT+ being pushed everywhere...   

 

This was met with accusations of bigotry...    So, at the risk of sounding like a bigot, is this not the very thing that alienates the LBGQT+ community from the general masses ???

 

... Why does there need to be a dedicated 5 days Pride-Fest just to boost tourism for the LBGQT+ minority - shouldn't Thailand be pushing to welcome ALL tourists and take measures to improve aspect of Thailand to boost tourism on a whole ??

 

I object to such notions of specifically marketing to the LBGQT+ community as it singles out their difference from the rest of society...    I object for the very same principles I'd object if Thailand had a 5 days 'hetro-fest' to boost tourism on married couples... 

 

 

 

Expand  

There is already that anti LGBT topic going. Why do you need to infect this one too? Can't you just leave it alone? You don't have to participate. It's obvious you already dislike and resent LGBT gay people. DIdn't your momma ever teach you to live and let live? Every topic touching on LGBT is ultimately dominated by bigoted posts.

 

I deliberately didn't post in that topic specifically because I'm not anti LBGQT+ and it did seem a very 'anti-LBGQT+' topic to be contributing to, so I didn't want to give any oxygen to the discussion.

 

However, it does seems that any time someone posts in a manner which is anything other than gushingly positive towards the LBGQT+ community you become overly sensitive and are extremely quick to throw out accusations.

 

 

My whole point here is that the LBGQT+ is just people, like anyone else, no better, no worse... the idea that they are specifically coveted for tourism is as equally ridiculous to me as as specifically coveting married couples... when instead all tourists should be marketed towards and coveted. 

 

But...  you were unable to recognise or comprehend that point becase of your overwhelming instinct to straight into defend mode playing the hurt pony before going into attack mode... 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Jingthing]

Just now, richard_smith237 said:

 

I deliberately didn't post in that topic specifically because I'm not anti LBGQT+ and it did seem a very 'anti-LBGQT+' topic to be contributing to, so I didn't want to give any oxygen to the discussion.

 

However, it does seems that any time someone posts in a manner which is anything other than gushingly positive towards the LBGQT+ community you become overly sensitive and are extremely quick to throw out accusations.

 

 

My whole point here is that the LBGQT+ is just people, like anyone else, no better, no worse... the idea that they are specifically coveted for tourism is as equally ridiculous to me as as specifically coveting married couples... when instead all tourists should be marketed towards and coveted. 

 

But...  you were unable to recognise or comprehend that point becase of your overwhelming instinct to straight into defend mode playing the hurt pony before going into attack mode... 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seeking LGBT tourists is not ridiculous at all! You obviously know nothing about the economics of tourism. Targeting demographic groups that on average spend more or even much more is the name of the game! 

[mogandave]

How do the know how much LBGT spend vs non LGBT? Does it show in your passport? 

 

[richard_smith237]

25 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Seeking LGBT tourists is not ridiculous at all! You obviously know nothing about the economics of tourism. Targeting demographic groups that on average spend more or even much more is the name of the game! 

 

Why not seek all tourists...  why specifically LBGQT+ ????  (more on that below)

 

There are cries for equality - so why can't you accept it when someone suggest the LBGQT+ are treated equally....   and that means no special treatment and no negative treatment. 

 

Perhaps the reason there is some backlash by some against the LBGQT+ communities is because of over sensitive mouth pieces crying bigotry at those with a balanced opinion.

 

IF this article were about specifically coveting married couples, you might be amongst the first on this forum to cry discrimination - and if you were, on that point, I'd agree with you.

 

 

This idea that those of LBGQT+ spend more so attracting them specifically is flawed... it would be the same as specifically coveting 'Arab' tourists if they were found to spend more... and that is flawed...   

 

Thailand makes billions from back-packers... particularly as those who come here in their younger years, very often return for a holiday later on in life...      thus, attracting such tourists (back-packers) has more than a one off 'reward'...  as does attracting anyone who is likely to be a repeat visitor, the LBGQT+ might be repeat visitors, so attract them, also attract the bar 'mongers', many of them are repeat visitors... 

 

 

Thailand misses the point that if has a solid product - it will sell....  Thus, taking measures to make the product of Thai tourism attractive to all is where the attention should be - singling out the LBGQT+ may make people like Jing feel warm and fussy but his warm and fussiness comes with an element of hypocrisy - didn't you want equality ?

 

 

 

 

 

[richard_smith237]

49 minutes ago, mogandave said:

How do the know how much LBGT spend vs non LGBT? Does it show in your passport? 

 

Imagine checking into a hotel or going shopping in Emporium and having to tick a 'check-box'...  to identify your sexual preference....    anyone would go nuts about that...   

 

So... how did they get this data that Jing is clinging onto so much to justify this 'special treatment' ???...    the answer is of course, someone made it up so they can have a 5 day parade.