Thailand is investing heavily in Bangkok Pride 2025 and rainbow tourism

Thailand is transforming into a global hub for LGBTQ+ rights and rainbow tourism – with a new marriage law, a world-class Pride festival and record-high visitor numbers.

Bangkok Pride 2025 is not just a parade – it is a powerful symbol of how Thailand is taking the lead in Southeast Asia in creating a more inclusive society. With the theme Born This Way A three-day festival is being organized from May 30 to June 1. The highlight will be a three-kilometer Pride parade on Rama I Road on June 1, where over 300 participants are expected to be greeted by festivities, music, drag shows and rainbow flags.

The festival is strongly supported by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Naruemit Pride organization, as well as the government. Thailand has in recent years clearly profiled itself as an LGBTQ+-friendly nation – and 2025 has become a symbolic breakthrough year.

New marriage law brings historic breakthrough

Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage in January 2025. The law, which was passed in 2024, came into effect on January 23, 2025. For the first time, same-sex couples are allowed to marry, adopt children, share property, and have the same rights as opposite-sex couples.

On the first day, over 1 same-sex weddings were registered in the country. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra called it “a new era of justice and love.”

LGBTQ+ tourism is booming

Thailand is now actively marketed as an LGBTQ+-friendly travel destination, not least by Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Under the motto "Be yourself as you can't be anywhere else", tourists from all over the world are attracted to Pride festivals, rainbow ceremonies, nightlife and beach weddings.

Initiatives like “Amazing Thailand Out There” and collaborations with international influencers have highlighted Thailand as a safe, inclusive and festive destination for LGBTQ+ people. Economically, tourism from rainbow guests plays a significant role: an estimated 50 billion baht is annually generated by this group.

Looking to the future: WorldPride 2030?

According to the organizers, Bangkok Pride 2025 also serves as a starting point for Thailand's application to host the World Pride 2030.The theme Born This Way should not only celebrate the victory for the marriage law, but also highlight the fight for continued inclusion – especially for transgender people and other marginalized groups.

Thailand has long had a reputation as a tolerant and open society, but in 2025 it is showing for the first time that it also wants to take a leadership role globally.

Facts

• Bangkok Pride takes place May 30–June 1, 2025
• The Pride Parade starts on June 1st at 14.00 on Rama I Road
• The theme is Born This Way
• The festival is organized by Naruemit Pride and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration
• Thailand legalized same-sex marriage on January 23, 2025

Source: Official information from NBT World, as well as reporting in international media and NGOs.

Artiklar report

Want to read more about equal marriage and LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand? Here are some previous articles from Thailand Info:

• Thailand introduces marriage for all – this is what the law means
• Same-sex marriage now legal in Thailand
• How the same-sex marriage law will affect Thailand's future

Text: The editorial staff

Image license: nooooo, Pixabay, original image