The annual Bangkok Pride, one of the biggest LGBTQ+ festivals in Asia, took place last weekend. Running from May 28-June 1, it included art shows, street fairs, clubbing events, and much more.
The highlight is always the annual Pride parade, which took place on the streets of the Thai capital on Saturday.
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The march attracted an estimated 500,000 participants and spectators, making it the biggest in Thailand Pride history. Besides locals, numbers were boosted by visitors primarily from Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, China, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and the Philippines.
Following heavy rain, the parade started in Chong Nonsi Canal Park and followed a 4.8km route through the queer-friendly Silom neighborhood. The theme was “Patch the World with Pride”.
The legalization of same-sex marriage in Thailand last year has amplified the country’s already-high appeal to LGBTQ+ tourists. The law change may have also helped last Saturday’s record numbers.
Organizers are bidding to host the 2030 World Pride, which occurs every couple of years. It’s running against London and Barcelona.
Given the success of last Saturday’s event, the country’s recent law changes, and the fact that World Pride has yet to take place in an Asian nation, we reckon Bangkok must be in with a better-than-average chance.
Check out more photos from the day below.
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