InterPride Co-President Rick André and InterPride Consultant and UN Advocacy Lead James Andrew Baker met with Phuket Governor Saransak Srikruanetra on Thursday (Oct 16) to discuss preparations for the landmark event, which will take place from Oct 26-31, 2026.
The meeting focused on coordination between InterPride, the Thai government and local organisers as Phuket moves ahead with detailed planning for what is expected to be one of the most significant LGBTQ+ conferences ever hosted in the region.
“This is not only the first time this global event has taken place in Asia, but it also comes at a crucial time when Thailand has just passed marriage equality laws,” said Mr André. “It presents a powerful opportunity to learn and support the regional equality movement.”
The InterPride 2026 conference is expected to bring together more than 400 delegates and up to 1,000 local volunteers from over 70 countries. The event will serve as a platform for dialogue on human rights, gender equality, and inclusion within the global LGBTQIAN+ community.
It will also mark an important step in Thailand’s ambition to host WorldPride 2030, with the country’s official bid presentation to take place during the 2026 conference in Phuket.
Thailand’s hosting of InterPride 2026 is being jointly led by:
* Bangkok Pride (Narumit Pride Co., Ltd.), serving as national organiser;
* Phuket Pride (Andaman Power Association), acting as the main local organiser; and
* The Foundation for Sexual Rights and Justice (FOR-SOGI), which coordinates the nationwide Pride City Network spanning more than 40 provinces.
Phuket was selected as host city after InterPride reviewed multiple candidates across Thailand, citing the island’s strong infrastructure, international hospitality, and its active LGBTQ+ community.
Governor Saransak welcomed the decision, saying, “Phuket is fully prepared to be a welcoming and safe space for people of all ages from all corners of the globe. We are proud that Phuket will serve as a gateway to friendship, freedom, and equality, truly reflecting the spirit of the Thai people.”
Local preparations are already underway, with both public and private sectors joining forces to develop tourism facilities, communications strategies, and creative promotions under the theme ‘Phuket Pride City – The City of Freedom, Equality & Sustainability’.
LOCAL PREPARATIONS
An Advisory Committee for the Phuket InterPride 2026 Working Group has been established to coordinate efforts across government, business and community sectors. The committee is chaired by Wirintra Paphakityotpat, Chairperson of Nikorn Marine Co Ltd, and includes key figures such as:
* Wittaya Ketchu, Director of Phuket Vocational College
* Disara Changcharoen, Senior Marketing Manager, Jungceylon shopping centre, Patong
* Pornthep Ruayrin, Managing Director, Phuket Simon Cabaret Co Ltd
* Thirasak Phonngam, CEO, Table Spoon Co Ltd.
The committee has been tasked with overseeing hospitality arrangements, international coordination, and creative campaigns to position Phuket as a model city of equality.
Beyond celebration, organisers emphasise that InterPride 2026 represents a historic opportunity for Thailand and Asia to showcase leadership in advancing equality and human rights.
“This is not just a global event ‒ it’s a statement to the world that Thailand and Phuket are the ‘Rainbow Pearl of Asia’, a city ready to open its doors, its heart, and its space for everyone to proudly celebrate the diversity of humanity,” organisers said.
Phuket officials and organisers alike agree that the event will reaffirm Thailand’s reputation as a global hub for conferences ‒ and as a nation embracing freedom, equality and inclusion.