Thousands are expected to take part in the parade, be led by a star cast of Thai celebrities, including actress Grace Patsita, singer Mum Laconics, actors Tae Nanthasai, Biw Nattapon, Big Nathaschai and actress Tai Chatchadaporn.
Also joining the parade will be beauty pageant celebrities Mainta Farmer (Miss Thailand 2022), Tharina Botes (Miss Thailand World 2024) and Phuket’s own Lin Malin (Miss Grand Thailand 2024).
More than 3,00 people joined the Patong Pride Parade earlier this month.
The parade in Phuket Town will mark the conclusion of a month of celebrating the LGBTQI+ community in Phuket and all over the world.
After assembling at the at Queen Sirikit Park on Thalang Rd from 2pm, the parade will begin at 5pm and continue along the following route:
- Start at the Hat Leng Ong Shrine (Golden Dragon Statue)
- Turn left onto Montri Rd
- Turn left onto Dibuk Rd
- Turn left onto Thepkrasattri Rd
- Turn right onto Thalang Rd
- Turn left onto Yaowarat Rd
- Turn left onto Phang Nga Rd
- End at the Chartered Bank Intersection
Festivities, centred at the Chartered Bank Intersection, will continue through to midnight, with a formal ceremony held at 7pm, Mayor Saroj explained.
To mark its Phuket Pride celebrations for the month of June, Phuket City Municipality has adorned its major attractions in rainbow colours, including the popular-and-now-renamed ‘Rainbow Bear’ ‒ a large ‘teddy bear’ inflatable standing several storeys high near the Chartered Bank Intersection in the Phuket Old Town area.
The Chartered Bank Intersection itself now has ‘rainbow pedestrian crossings’, and several other major features throughout the town, including ‘Nong Ya Ya’’ at the Suriyadej Circle, are now also in rainbow colours.
Six ‘Pride’ checkpoints have been set up throughout the town where people can take photos. Those who collect photos at all six checkpoints and post the photos online with the the hashtag #IDiscoverPhuketPRIDE stand to win prizes. Winners will be announced on July 5.
Also, a ‘Pride Wall’ has been set up at the dragon statue in Queen Sirikit Park where people can freely leave their messages in support of Pride Month.
In announcing the ‘Discover Phuket Pride’ events, Phuket Town Mayor Saroj Angkhanapilas last month emphasised the collaborative effort between the municipality, government agencies, civil society groups and the private sector to make the month-long festival a reality.
The goal is to showcase Phuket as a welcoming destination for all and to foster understanding and acceptance of diverse sexualities in society, Mayor Saroj said.
“Phuket, known internationally as a tourist hotspot, embraces its status as a city open to various rights and diversities. Among these is the LGBTQ+ community, which advocates for the rights of individuals with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities,” Mayor Saroj noted.
"Discover Phuket Pride 2024 @ Old Town" promises to be a celebration of diversity, equality, and unity, reinforcing Phuket’s reputation as an inclusive and welcoming destination for all travellers. With its blend of cultural heritage, entertainment, and advocacy, the event is set to become a highlight on Phuket’s annual calendar, attracting visitors from around the world,” he added.