Dream To Travel: Why Is Thailand So LGBTQ-Friendly
In Thailand, we believe that diversity is amazing…
Thailand is a recognized global leader when it comes to welcoming travellers of all backgrounds, identities and gender expressions. As the most welcoming country in Asia for LGBTQ+ people, Thailand is confident that the sapphic, gay, bisexual and trans community – and all people, no matter how they identify and whom they cherish – feel free when travelling in Thailand. While many destinations claim to accept diversity in all its forms, there are still many countries that shun same-sex couples, or do not openly acknowledge the LGBTQ+ community publicly. Yet Thailand’s relaxed and warm sensibility embraces LGBTQ+ travellers, and encourages them to discover this magical place, commute freely and be comfortable.
What is it that makes Thailand so LGBTQ+ friendly? Even today, many countries consider homosexuality to be a criminal act. Thailand’s attitude is very different. It is one of the most progressive Asian countries, with the Thai government decriminalizing homosexuality over 75 years ago. Considering global social norms at the period, this was a significant measure and affi
OPEN SOCIETY
Thailand takes lead in LGBT rights
LGBT existence is omnipresent in Thailand. Gay and lesbian characters play various roles in TV shows. Prominent bloggers and YouTubers of the LGBT community have tens of thousands of viewers. Last year, Thailand also had its first transsexual candidate for prime minister, Pauline Ngarmpring.
Despite the social recognition, only heterosexual couples are allowed to join in Thailand. Until today, there is no legal partnership status to endorse LGBT couples. However, this might change soon. This summer, after year-long consultations and debates, the cabinet approved a bill that would enable same-sex couples to register as “partners.”
The planned legislation could be a major breakthrough. Even though the so-called Civil Partnership Bill would not allow real marriages, it gives Thailand a pioneering role for LGBT-rights in Southeast Asia. If the bill passes the parliament, Thailand would be the first country allowing queer partnerships in Southeast Asia and the second one in Asia. Only Taiwan was faster. It established equal marriage in 2019.
Thailand’s Civil Partnership Bill does not fully end the legal discrimination of same-s
LGBTQ+ Travel Guide to Thailand
Experiencing Thai Food
Thai food is world famous and for great reason. It’s full of flavor, easy to produce and very healthy. The most famous Thai dish is Pad Thai, which is a stir-fried rice noodle dish cooked with eggs, fish sauce, garlic, shallots, bean sprouts, coriander leaves, tofu or chicken, tamarind pulp and served with spring onions, crushed nuts and lime juice. It was popularized during World War II and has become the country’s national dish.
Som Tam is spicy green papaya salad made with shredded papaya, pounded in a pestle and mortar with lime juice, palm sugar, chili, garlic, shrimp, nut, tomatoes, fish sauce, bean sprouts and green beans. Curries are also ubiquitous throughout Thailand. The most renowned are named after the color of the chilis used: red, green and yellow. In the south, Massaman curry is more popular, which is a richer tasting curry with coconut milk that is not as spicy as its colorful cousins. Mango sticky rice is a favorite among Thai desserts. Sticky rice is made from glutinous rice and it is cooked with coconut milk and palm sugar, then served with pieces of mango.
Safety Considerations f
Top tips and suggestion for LGBT+ travellers visiting Thailand
Thailand is one of the world’s most famous gay travel destinations and LGBT+ visitors can expect a warm welcome. We asked the team at Out Of Office, a tailor-made luxury LGBT tour specialist, and Tour Gay, for their expert Thailand tips and advice.
What are your top tips for LGBT+ travellers heading to Thailand?
Thailand has a fantastic drag scene. Monitoring in the footsteps of Ru Paul’s Drag Race, the Thai spin-off is going into its third season and has drag superstars like Pangina Heals as hosts. You can see marvelous drag shows in gay bars all over Thailand, featuring Pangina and other legendary queens. The hotspot for flamboyant is definitely Bangkok! On the similar note, make the most of the (gay) nightlife in Thailand. Not only Bangkok, but also popular party islands have plenty of gay/gay-welcoming venues. Even in more still areas most bars and restaurants are gay-welcoming even if not explicitly stated.
Besides all the partying, make sure to visit the lovely temples, markets and beaches of Thailand. There is lots to do for active travellers: exploring caves, rock climbing, hiking and snorkelling. For a
Thailand Gay Travel 2019: All about its Gay Culture
Thailand Gay Resorts to visit in 2019
There are various Gay Resorts in Thailand, most of which are located in Bangkok. The most popular exclusively gay resort in the country is called Babylon, located in Bangkok. After this, Baan Souy is another excellent queer resort located in Pattaya, which can easily get the reference point for your gay holidays.
Last but not least, we should not miss mentioning the countless gay-friendly & luxurious resorts around the country, some of which are located on top of trees, some are located on the exotic Thai beaches, and some others on top of Bangkok's skylines.
Gay Life in Thailand | The Most Famous Gay Hotspots in Thailand!
Thailand features an organized gay scene, with the country's most popular destinations featuring an organized gay scene with various gay venues, including gay bars, clubs, gay saunas, and other gay hotspots. There are also various gay beaches in Thailand, which are mainly visited by lgbtq+ travelers!
Check out the optimal gay places around Thailandhere!
