Thousands of people gathered in the streets of Bangkok, Thailand, to celebrate the beginning of the 25th edition of Pride Month on Saturday. Hosted by Bangkok Pride and Bangkok Municipal Administration, the parade took place in some of the city’s business areas, including Siam Centre and Rama I Road. Thai Prime Minister, Sretta Thavisin, attended the event and pledged the government’s support for the LGBTQIA+ community, emphasizing the milestone of successfully passing the marriage equality bill.
Thailand is set to become the first Southeast Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage, through the marriage equality bill approved by its cabinet on November 21 last year. The bill is scheduled for its final reading in the country’s legislature later this month. Senator Wallop Tangkananuruk, chairman of the Senate’s committee on same-sex marriage, has indicated that the bill is likely to pass on June 18. Provided there are no revisions, the law will be sent for royal approval and will come into force 120 days after being published in the Royal Gazette, following national procedure.
During the parade, Prime Minister Thavisin, accompanied by senior party members, also mentioned plans to allow members of the LGBTQ+ community to select their pronouns and titles on official documents, reflecting the honorifics in the Thai language system.
Since its inception in 1999, Bangkok’s Pride celebration has garnered significant support, reflecting growing acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community in Thailand. The celebrations have also been endorsed by the government, senior politicians, and major conglomerates. Other regions in Thailand, such as Chiang Mai, are organizing their own Pride celebrations as well.
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