Meetings held yesterday (Dec 22) at Phuket Provincial Hall confirmed that Thailand has been honoured as the main host country for InterPride 2026, with Phuket selected as the host city – marking the first time the global Pride forum will be held in Asia.
The gathering was chaired by Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong, with provincial authorities and representatives from InterPride and partner organisations outlining plans for the event, which is scheduled to be held from Oct 26-31, 2026.
Among the key participants were Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn; Narong On-in, Chief of Phuket Provincial Office; Pattanachai Singhavara, Director of the Southern Regional Office of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB); Wirintra Papakijyospat, Chair of the InterPride Working Group Advisory Committee; and Supakorn Suwan, President of the Andaman Power Association Phuket, along with representatives from the InterPride network and the GM&WC 2026 working group.
InterPride brings together Pride event organisers from more than 70 countries to exchange knowledge, strengthen international cooperation and promote gender equality and human rights. Phuket was chosen ahead of other proposed host cities due to its strong infrastructure, international tourism and conference capacity, transport systems, hospitality sector and its reputation as a diverse and inclusive community, explained an official report of the meeting.
Activities during the event are planned to include opening ceremonies, networking forums, beach sports, drag street activities, parades, cultural and community events and international performances. The conference is expected to bring 400-500 international delegates to Phuket, supported by more than 1,000 Thai volunteers.
Crucially, organisers confirmed the conference will also present Thailand’s formal bid to host WorldPride 2030 – one of the world’s largest LGBTQIAN+ celebrations and cultural events. Officials said the bid reflects Thailand’s ambition to strengthen its standing as a global destination for equality, diversity and human rights advocacy.
Phuket authorities emphasised that the province is fully committed to delivering the event under the concept ‘Phuket Pride City – The City of Freedom, Equality & Sustainability’, positioning Phuket as a model city of equality and promoting its identity as the ‘Pearl of the Rainbow in Asia’.
Officials also encouraged local LGBTQIAN+ networks to work with government agencies to help shape future policy, support civic participation and ensure strong community involvement as Phuket prepares to welcome the world for the landmark event.