The Pride Talk event, held yesterday (June 4) under the theme ‘Phuket Unfiltered’, brought together government officials, business leaders, community representatives and LGBTQIA+ advocates to discuss diversity, equality and the creation of safe spaces across the island.
The forum was organised by the Andaman Power Association of Phuket and formed part of the wider Phuket Pride Festival 2026 programme.
Among those attending were Patong Mayor Lalita Maneesri, representatives from the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), executives from Simon Cabaret Phuket and officials from the Phuket Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office.
Organisers said the event was designed to provide a platform for young people, workers and local residents to share their views and contribute ideas for future policies aimed at improving wellbeing and fostering greater inclusion under the concept of a ‘City of All-Inclusion’.
Discussions focused on creative city development, the MICE industry and ways to improve quality of life for Phuket residents while strengthening the island’s reputation as a welcoming destination for people of all backgrounds.
An interactive session used digital polling tools and public participation activities to collect feedback that organisers said would help guide future policies on safe spaces and wellbeing in Phuket.
The event also featured performances at Simon Cabaret Phuket and celebrations recognising achievements by Phuket organisations and community groups.
The Pride Talk forum comes ahead of tonight’s Miss Queen Andaman Power 2026 pageant, one of the flagship events of Phuket Pride Festival.
The competition, held under the theme “Beyond the Crown, Embracing All Genders”, will take place from 4:30pm to 10pm at The Bay Arena at Jungceylon in Patong. Organisers describe it as the largest transgender beauty pageant in Southern Thailand.
The festival will culminate with the Phuket Pride Parade on Sunday (June 7), when participants will march from Ratchaprajanukroh Rd through Thaweewong Rd before finishing at Patong Beach.
The events form part of a month-long programme celebrating Pride Month in Phuket, with organisers continuing to promote the island as a leading LGBTQIA+ destination while supporting diversity, equality and inclusion across the community.