Bangkok’s Pride Spectacle: ‘Pride For All’ Shines

June 9, 2023

625

Bangkok’s stunning CentralwOrld became a riot of colours and an emblem of unity as Thailand’s Pride Celebration 2023, dubbed ‘Pride For All’, unfolded on June 4th. The event, designed to elevate Thailand as a premier world pride destination in 2023, transformed the city into a veritable kaleidoscope of joy, acceptance, and affirmation for the LGBTQIAN+ community.

This exhilarating festival, the brainchild of a collaborative effort between the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Galderma Thailand, Muse by Metinee, Bangkok PRIDE, Tiffany’s Show Pattaya Co, Ltd, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Thailand, took pride in festivities to new heights, setting a high benchmark for other global Pride events.

CentralwOrld, Bangkok’s top shopping plaza and lifestyle hub, was more than a venue. It was a living testament to embracing diversity and celebrating unique identities – a space where all ‘CentralwOrld citizens’ could feel pride and kinship. With a glorious display of rainbow flags from eight branches nationwide, the Pride Parade was indeed an embodiment of the ‘Proud to be Pride’ sentiment.

The event came alive with a fabulous display of colour and vibrancy in the ‘Fly High In The Sky for Pride’ show and the Fashion Parade, which showcased over 500 models in a fashion show titled ‘This is my look’. Spearheaded by Galderma (Thailand), it was an impeccable spectacle of self-expression, exuding confidence and allure. The spectacular ‘Pride Concert’ further entertained the crowd, graced by the presence of Thailand’s leading artists.

The Bangkok Pride 2023 parade, co-hosted by CentralwOrld, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and Naruemit Pride, started at the Pathumwan intersection and ended at the Ratchaprasong intersection at CentralwOrld. The crowd was treated to a breathtaking sight – a grand procession proudly flaunting an enormous 144.8-meter rainbow flag, a symbol of the power and unity of the LGBTQIAN+ community.

The festival was about more than just celebration. The ‘Pride Talk with UNDP’ offered a platform for insightful discussions among crucial figures in the LGBTQIAN+ community. These dialogues were held at CentralwOrld, Central Pattaya, Phuket, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Chiangmai, and Chonburi.

Art and creativity were at the forefront with the ‘Pride Vibe’ experience. Artist Prapatsorn ‘Teayii’ led this initiative with her innovative ‘Seat a Pride’ art installation. A reflection of the ‘Mirror Mirror: Reflect Yourself’ concept, the installation will be on display for two months (June-July 2023) at CentralwOrld and Central Chonburi.

The grandeur of the event established Thailand as a vibrant hub for the global LGBTQIAN+ community, showcasing inclusivity and spectacle comparable to notable pride events worldwide, such as NYC Pride, EuroPride 2019, Pride Week in Vienna, Tokyo Rainbow Pride, and Taiwan LGBT Pride.

June 2023 will long be remembered as a momentous month when Thailand affirmed its status as a top Pride destination. It sent a powerful message to the world – an invite to express oneself freely, appreciate the power of diversity, and create a global impact at the significant rainbow landmark. This ensured that the Thai Pride Festival is poised to become a Pride Celebration Landmark for the LGBTQIAN+ community worldwide, genuinely encapsulating the spirit of THAILAND’S PRIDE CELEBRATION 2023 – PRIDE FOR ALL.