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Phuket will be named Asia's first Pride Center in 2026!
InterPride announces the first Pride World Conference in Phuket in 2026. Experience LGBTQ+ celebrations and important discussions in Asia.
Phuket will be named Asia's first Pride Center in 2026!
An exciting year is ahead for the LGBTQ+ community in Asia as Phuket will not only host Discover Phuket PRIDE 2024, but has also been confirmed to host InterPride's General Meeting and World Conference (GM&WC) 2026. This means Phuket will host the world's most important Pride forum for the first time. As the Nation of Thailand reported, the big event will take place from October 26th to 31st, 2026.
A coalition of well-known organizations such as Bangkok Pride, the Foundation for SOGI Rights and Justice (FOR-SOGI) and Phuket Pride (Andaman Power Association) made this decision possible, which ultimately won against competition from India. Thailand can now look forward to being recognized as a global pride center. The GM&WC will host over 400 Pride organizations from around the world and expects between 200 and 400 participants on site, with online access also offered for those not traveling.
A look at Discover Phuket PRIDE 2024
Before that happens, the “Discover Phuket PRIDE 2024” is on the program on June 29, 2024. This event takes place in the picturesque Old Town of Phuket and aims to strengthen the LGBTQ+ community and boost tourism. It starts with a big parade at 5 p.m., followed by a varied concert at 8 p.m. with artists like 'Gam the Star', 'Mum Laconics' and Ben Chalatit. Prominent faces from Channel 7 will also be featured.
The event will be adorned by a large rainbow flag and will not only provide entertainment, but also educational opportunities on topics such as self-wellness and health prevention. The organizers expect numerous local companies and organizations to take part in this diverse festival.
Pride movement in Asia on the rise
The development in Phuket reflects a broader trend in Asia, where LGBTQ+ communities are experiencing increasing acceptance and visibility. According to that Fabryk Countries like Thailand and Taiwan have seen an update on LGBTQ+ rights - last year, for example, same-sex marriage was legally recognized in Thailand. These advances give the area community hope and space to celebrate.
In addition to celebrations, Asian Pride events are also a significant expression of identity and collectiveness. Festivals like Bangkok Pride, Tokyo Rainbow Pride and Taipei Pride are not just party events, but also platforms for advocacy and social change. However, the challenges remain, as many societies find themselves caught between traditional values and modern demands for equality.
With the upcoming GM&WC 2026 and the numerous events in 2024, Phuket shows once again that it is the place to be for the LGBTQ+ community. We can only hope that this positive development will continue in many other parts of Asia.