The parade, one of the flagship events of the Phuket Pride Festival 2026, began at 5pm from the area in front of Duangjitt Resort & Spa on Ratchaprajanukroh Rd before making its way along the beachfront and through Bangla Rd, drawing large crowds of residents, tourists and LGBTQIAN+ supporters from Thailand and abroad.
Organised by the Andaman Power Phuket Association in partnership with Patong Municipality and a wide network of public and private sector organisations, this year’s festival was held under the theme ‘Be Loud, Be Proud, Be You’.
Patong Mayor Lalita Maneesri joined municipal officials, community leaders and representatives from government agencies in the parade. Also attending were Anekchai Ruangratanakorn, adviser to the Minister of Social Development and Human Security; Naphat Em-on, the Inspector General of the Department of Provincial Administration currently serving as Acting Phuket Provincial Palad (Chief Administrative Officer).
Phuket MPs Orathai Kerdsub and Chalermpong Saengdee, along with Andaman Power Phuket Association President Supakorn Suwan, were also present for the occasion.
According to organisers, more than 40 parade groups took part in this year’s procession, making it the largest Phuket Pride parade to date.
The parade concluded at Jungceylon shopping centre, where the official ceremony for Phuket Pride Festival 2026 was held at Arena Bay. The evening featured performances by Simon Cabaret Phuket, entertainment acts and live stage activities designed to promote understanding, acceptance and equal rights for LGBTQIAN+ communities.
Officials said the festival reflects Phuket’s commitment to creating an inclusive society and strengthening the island’s reputation as a welcoming international destination for visitors of all backgrounds, cultures and identities.
Speaking during the event, organisers highlighted the significance of 2026 for Phuket as the province prepares to host the InterPride General Meeting and World Conference later this year, a major international gathering expected to bring LGBTQIAN+ advocates and organisations from around the world to the island.
The event was also promoted as part of wider efforts to position Phuket as a global ‘Pride City’ and LGBTQIAN+ destination while supporting tourism, cultural exchange and the province’s creative economy.
NBT Phuket reported that more than 40 parade contingents joined the procession, while performances from Simon Cabaret Phuket, Cruise Club Phuket and artists from ‘The Voice Pride Thailand’ helped turn Patong into a festival venue celebrating diversity and inclusion late into the night.
‘WE ARE ONE’
The Pride celebrations will continue later this month with ‘Phuket City Pride 2026’, scheduled for Saturday, June 27, in Phuket Old Town under the theme ‘We Are One – Rak Kan Pen Nueng’ (‘We Are One’).
The event is being organised by Phuket City Municipality in partnership with Andaman Charoen Co Ltd, Team Phuket (Phuket City Pride), Old Town community groups and private-sector partners.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday (June 6), Phuket Town Mayor Suppachoke La-ongphet said the event aims to reinforce Phuket’s status as an international tourist destination that welcomes diversity and promotes equal rights for all.
The highlight will be a Pride parade featuring more than 25 floats and over 2,000 participants. The procession will begin at Queen Sirikit Park (Dragon Square) at 5pm and proceed through Phuket Old Town to the Charter Bank intersection.
Organisers said more than 30 celebrities and entertainers are expected to join the parade, including singers and television personalities Jennifer Kim, Kai Varayuth Milintachinda, Rasamee Khae Fa Kueanlon and Hay Apaporn Nakhonsawan.
Phuket Old Town will be decorated with rainbow flags and Pride-themed displays throughout the area, while additional activities will include a Pride Paint art competition, dance challenges, the Miss Phuket City Pride 2026 contest and a mini-concert headlined by Hay Apaporn from 8pm to midnight on Phang Nga Rd.
Organisers said the June 27 event is intended not only as a celebration of the LGBTQIAN+ community but also as a festival for all residents and visitors, promoting acceptance, inclusion and the message that Phuket is a city that welcomes everyone.