The agreement was signed yesterday (May 28) at NEX Hall of Siam Paragon in Bangkok during a ceremony presided over by Minister of Social Development and Human Security Nikorn Somklang.
The MoU forms part of a nationwide initiative to establish a ‘Pride City Network’ across 58 pilot provinces in preparation for Thailand’s bid to host World Pride 2030.
Representing Phuket at the event were Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong, Andaman Power Phuket Association Vice President Nopsorn Sompol Sittivej and officials from the Phuket Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office.
Following the ceremony, Mr Adul and Ms Nopsorn jointly signed the MoU on behalf of Phuket and delivered remarks highlighting the province’s commitment to promoting equality, diversity and safe spaces for LGBTQ+ communities.
Officials stated that Phuket was moving beyond its image as a world-class tourism destination and positioning itself as an ‘Inclusive City’ focused on equality, safety and inclusivity for all residents and visitors.
The announcement also promoted the Phuket Pride Festival 2026, which will be held at Patong Beach from June 1-7 under the theme ‘From Visibility To Equality’.
Organisers also used the occasion to encourage support for the InterPride General Meeting and World Conference 2026, scheduled to be held in Phuket from Oct 28-Nov 1, marking the first time the conference will be staged in Asia.
Officials said the event would help strengthen Thailand’s campaign to host WorldPride 2030 under the concept ‘Road to Bangkok World Pride 2030’.
Minister Nikorn said the MoU aimed to raise participating provinces to international standards in equality, safety and inclusivity.
He explained that the initiative focused on two main principles: participation from all sectors in creating safe and inclusive public spaces, and improving structural and policy readiness through regulations, infrastructure and adherence to international standards.
The ministry outlined five key missions under the project: policy management, tourism economy development, welfare and safe spaces, international connectivity and knowledge support.
Mr Nikorn also highlighted the economic value of LGBTQ+ tourism, noting that the global market was worth more than US$200 billion annually, while Pride Month events in Thailand generated an estimated B4-10 billion in economic activity and tourism revenue each year.
He added that Thailand’s legalisation of equal marriage, which came into effect on Jan 23 last year, strengthened the country’s credibility in its WorldPride bid.
The ministry also confirmed several Pride Month activities, including workshops on preventing gender-based discrimination on May 29-30, the ‘MSDHS x Pride City Network Parade 2026’ on May 31 and a symbolic ‘Road to Bangkok World Pride 2030’ pin presentation to the Prime Minister and Cabinet on June 2.
Separately yesterday morning, Phuket officials used the regular ‘Governor Meets the Press’ event at The Pago Design Hotel Phuket to further promote the island’s Pride Month activities and preparations for the InterPride conference.
Naphat Em-on, Inspector General of the Department of Provincial Administration acting as a Vice Governor of Phuket, joined Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation President Rewat Areerob, Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office chief Warat Surawadee and Andaman Power Association President Supakorn Suwan at the press briefing.
Mr Supakorn confirmed Phuket would host Pride Month activities throughout June and promote the InterPride GM&WC 2026 under the theme ‘Asia Pearl Pride’ in an effort to position Phuket as a global city of diversity.
The briefing also covered flood-prevention measures for the rainy season and updates on the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation’s Old Prison public park redevelopment project, which officials said was now more than 80% complete and expected to open at the end of August.
Phuket Pride Festival 2026 will include beach volleyball competitions from May 29-31, the ‘Pride Talk Volume III’ forum on June 4, the Miss Queen Andaman Power 2026 pageant on June 5 and the main Phuket Pride Parade through Patong on June 7.
Organisers said the event reflected cooperation between government agencies, private businesses, civil society groups and LGBTQIN+ networks in promoting equality, tourism and Phuket’s image as a welcoming international destination.