Thailand Launches Nationwide “Love Wins” Festival

BANGKOK — Thailand has officially launched the “Amazing Thailand Love Wins Festival”, a landmark, month-long celebration of Pride Month that underscores the nation’s embrace of equality, diversity, and human rights. This year’s event holds special significance as it comes on the heels of Thailand’s historic legalization of same-sex marriage, positioning the country as a progressive leader in Asia and a top destination for LGBTQIAN+ travelers.

A National Commitment to Inclusion and Equality

At the launch ceremony in Bangkok, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Phumtham Wechayachai highlighted the festival’s deeper meaning:

“This festival is more than a celebration—it reflects Thailand’s values. With marriage equality now enshrined in law, we proudly reaffirm our commitment to human rights and the freedom to love.”

Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sorawong Thienthong, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the festival is both a cultural statement and an economic catalyst:

“The Amazing Thailand Love Wins Festival boosts tourism and places Thailand firmly on the global map as a beacon of acceptance.”

Marriage Equality in Thailand

Thailand’s Marriage Equality Law, enacted on January 23, 2025, followed legislative approval and the amendment of Section 1448 of the Civil and Commercial Code. This landmark reform, officially published in the Royal Gazette in September 2024, grants LGBTQIAN+ couples the legal right to marry—making Thailand one of the few countries in Asia to do so.

Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), noted:

“This festival is a vibrant declaration of who we are as a nation—one that celebrates love without labels and equality without exception.”

A Month of Nationwide Pride Events

Running throughout June 2025, the Love Wins Festival features colorful Pride events across Thailand’s regions, reinforcing social harmony while driving economic growth:

Central Thailand

  • Bangkok Pride Festival (30 May – 1 June): Under the theme “Born This Way: From Marriage Equality to Identity Recognition”.
  • Thailand’s Drag Star 2025: The Finale (30 May at Parc Paragon).

Northern Thailand

  • Chiang Mai Pride Parade (25 May – 30 June).
  • Tak Province: Pride events in Mae Sot (9 June), Mae Tan (19 June), Rahaeng (21 June), Phop Phra (26 June).
  • Nan Pride: Month-long celebration.

Eastern Thailand

  • Pattaya Pride (27–29 June).
  • Chanthaburi Pride: Full-month program.

Southern Thailand

  • Samui Pride Nation, Songkhla & Hat Yai Pride (14–15 June), Trang Pride (28 June).
  • Phuket Pride (2–8 June).
  • Krabi Pride: Ongoing throughout June.

Northeastern Thailand

  • Khon Kaen Pride Festival (28 June).
  • Ubon Pride and Mukdahan Pride: All-month festivities.

Pride as a Driver of Unity and Tourism

As part of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025, the Pride Festival represents a strategic initiative that combines cultural celebration with economic opportunity. It not only supports LGBTQIAN+ visibility but also boosts local tourism, empowers entrepreneurs, and promotes inclusive growth.

Thailand’s Pride Month 2025 is more than a festival—it’s a message to the world: Thailand is open, welcoming, and proud to lead in love, equality, and human dignity.

🔗 For event details, visit: www.thailandfestival.org