The event, centred on the Chartered Bank intersection in Phuket Town, drew local residents, tourists, government officials and members of the LGBTQIAN+ community for one of the island’s largest Pride celebrations to date.
Phuket Vice Governor Romdon Hayiawae officially opened the event, joined by Team Phuket Chairman Theerasak Phlongam, Phuket City Municipality Mayor Suppachoke Laongphet, representatives from government agencies and the private sector, and community leaders.
Speaking on behalf of the organising committee, Mayor Suppachoke said the event reflected cooperation across all sectors to promote Phuket as a city that embraces diversity, equality and respect for human dignity.
He added that the celebration also aimed to strengthen Phuket’s reputation as an inclusive international tourism destination while helping prepare the province to host the InterPride conference later this year.
The festivities began long before the evening parade, with Phuket Old Town decorated in Pride flags and rainbow displays. Activities throughout the day included the ‘PRIDE PAINT: Art of Equality’ competition, a dance challenge set to the event’s official song, concerts, the Miss Phuket Pride 2026 pageant and more than 40 stalls offering food, drinks and locally made products.
The centrepiece of the celebration was the giant rainbow flag parade through the heart of Phuket Old Town.
More than 2,000 participants joined the procession, accompanied by entertainers, beauty queens and celebrities including Jennifer Kim, Hai Aphaphorn Nakhonsawan, Rasameekae Faikuealoon, Sinon Loresca and Kai Warayuth. Actors from Channel 7 HD, along with contestants from Miss Universe Thailand, Miss Grand Thailand, Mister International Thailand and MGI All Star, also took part, drawing enthusiastic crowds along the parade route.
Tourists joined local residents in celebrating the event.
One Russian visitor said she was delighted by the welcoming atmosphere and praised Phuket for its visible support of LGBTQ+ rights.
She said she has many LGBTQ+ friends in both Russia and Thailand and was proud to see the community and wider society celebrating equality together.
Organisers said Phuket City Pride has become more than an annual celebration, serving as a platform to promote equality while reinforcing Phuket’s image as an international destination that welcomes everyone regardless of nationality, culture or gender identity.
The event concluded with concerts and entertainment continuing into the evening, delivering a colourful message of love, understanding and respect for diversity as thousands gathered under the banner, ‘We Are One’.