Government interested in holding more Gay activities
PUBLISHED: 21 May 2024 at 05: 13
The government, along with the personal and civil sector, will sponsor a five- day Pride event in Bangkok to present Thailand’s readiness to become Asia’s “rainbow” capital.
The organizers stated at a press conference on Monday that this year’s Bangkok Pride Festival would take place with the design” Celebration of Love.”
According to Ann Chumaporn, founder and president of Bangkok Pride rally, this year’s festivities– which include a parade, different concerts, people activities and the Bangkok Pride Forum– may run from May 31 to June 4.
” The reason we’re hosting]the event ] over five times is to showcase Thailand’s capacity to host bigger activities, like the 2025 Inter Pride Conference and the 2030 World Pride parade”, she said, adding the function will also enjoy Thailand’s force to become the first country in Southeast Asia to legalise same- sexual organizations while raising awareness of other problems affecting LGBTQ and other marginalised individuals and communities.
She stated that Srettha Thavisin, the prime minister, has confirmed his participation in the Pride Parade this year on June 1. The parade will be held from 3- 6pm.
Responding to an alert by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, which warned of a possible attack on LGBTQ individuals during Pride month celebrations, Ms Ann said the organisers have always placed a lot of emphasis on security, as LGBTQ individuals often become a target of hate, especially in Asia.
She added that the Royal Thai Police and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will work together to secure the occasion.
She said around 100, 000 people took part in the event last year. This year, she said, at least 200, 000 participants are expected to turn up at the event.
The parade will begin at the National Stadium and wrap up at the intersection of Ratchaprasong and Ratchaprasong.
Thapanee Kiatphaiboon, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand ( TAT ), said LGBTQ travellers contribute significantly to tourism revenue, noting they spend 40 times more than the general spender.
This year, there will be pride events in 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”,
At a recent seminar, Tourism and Sports Minister Sermsak Pongpanich stated that improving access to public resources and services is a top priority for LGBTQ rights as well.
He claimed that the Pride celebration will help Thailand meet its goal of producing 3. 5 trillion baht in tourism-related revenue by 2024 and will help further cement its reputation as a fair, welcoming, and progressive nation.
He said,” Our government views LGBTQ people not as a burden but as an important force that could help Thailand advance in all areas of life.”
Mr Sermsak also confirmed the ministry’s officials will join the parade this year to show their support for the nation’s LGBTQ communities.