The month-long celebrations follow the launch of Phuket Pride Festival 2026 in Patong under the theme ‘From Visibility to Equality’, with organisers promoting diversity, equality and inclusion while highlighting Phuket’s ambitions to host World Pride 2030.
Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn marked the start of Pride Month with a message of support for diversity.
“Be yourself with pride, because diversity is the beauty of this world,” Governor Nirat said.
The annual Phuket Pride Festival opened on June 1 and includes a range of cultural, educational and entertainment activities.
The festival’s beach volleyball tournament, held from May 29-31, has already concluded, while the popular Pride Talk forum, Miss Queen Andaman Power 2026 pageant and Phuket Pride Parade in Patong remain key highlights of the programme.
Patong Municipality has announced temporary road closures for the Phuket Pride Parade on Sunday, June 7.
Sections of Thaweewong Rd, Bangla Rd and Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd around Jungceylon shopping centre will be closed or subject to traffic diversions from 4pm to 8pm to accommodate the parade and related festivities.
Municipal officials have urged residents and visitors to plan their journeys in advance and avoid affected routes during the event.
“Every difference makes our society more beautiful,” the municipality said in a public notice inviting residents and tourists to join the celebrations.
Meanwhile, preparations are also underway in Phuket Town for Phuket City Pride and the InterPride World Conference 2026, which the island will host later this month.
A new rainbow-themed ‘Pride Bunny’ landmark has been installed at the historic Chartered Bank intersection in the heart of Phuket Town. The figure is dressed in a rainbow-coloured sash and topped with a bougainvillea crown, welcoming visitors to the city’s Pride celebrations.
Organisers are encouraging residents and visitors to wear rainbow colours and join a major Pride parade through Phuket Town on June 27.
The event is expected to attract participants from across Thailand and overseas as part of the wider programme surrounding the InterPride World Conference, one of the world’s largest gatherings of LGBTQIA+ organisations and advocates.
Phuket officials have increasingly promoted the island as an inclusive destination, with government agencies, municipalities, tourism operators and LGBTQIA+ community groups working together to support equality while strengthening Phuket’s international tourism appeal.
The celebrations come as Phuket continues to position itself as a welcoming destination for people of all genders, identities and nationalities, building on nearly three decades of Pride events that began in Patong and have since expanded across the island.