Thursday, May 22, 2025
Thailand’s Pride Celebration 2025 ignites a powerful boost in rainbow tourism, driving economic growth and solidifying the nation’s position as a global LGBTQIAN+ hub.
Central Pattana Plc (CPN), a prominent arm of the Central Group and the operator behind Central malls, is furthering its dedication to promoting inclusivity and equality with the introduction of Thailand’s Pride Celebration 2025: Pride For All. Timed with Pride Month, this initiative emphasizes the significance of human rights and positions itself as a key contributor to economic progress. As Thailand’s LGBTQIAN+ tourism sector is expected to generate 67 billion baht annually, the global rainbow tourism market is forecast to reach US\$20 billion (around 723 billion baht) by 2032, showcasing the vast growth potential in the sector.
Central malls have become increasingly recognized as inclusive spaces for the LGBTQIAN+ community in Thailand, which is home to over 6 million LGBTQIAN+ individuals. As global interest in the country continues to rise, the rainbow economy is set to play a significant role, with an expected annual revenue of more than 150 billion baht.
Thailand has long been a well-known destination for gender-affirming surgeries, earning a reputation as a global leader in this field. The country is now working to solidify its status as Asia’s premier LGBTQIAN+ hub. Thailand’s cultural influence—boosted by internationally recognized Girl Love series and vibrant drag performances—has enhanced its global presence, contributing to its role as a cultural soft power in the region.
A landmark moment for Thailand came with the recent passage of the marriage equality law, making it the first country in Southeast Asia and the third in Asia to achieve this groundbreaking milestone.
In its sixth year, the Pride Celebration campaign continues to align with Thailand’s goal of becoming a leading global destination for LGBTQIAN+ pride. Plans to host World Pride 2030 are already in the works, further elevating the country’s reputation on the world stage. This year’s celebrations, which will take place throughout June across 39 Central locations, revolve around the theme “Embracing Freedom.” The events are designed to engage audiences of all ages and provide a platform for various forms of expression and celebration.
The campaign’s broader objective is to drive the expansion of Thailand’s Rainbow Economy, further embedding LGBTQIAN+ visibility and inclusion within the tourism, entertainment, and lifestyle sectors. The celebrations will kick off on May 31 at CentralWorld, featuring Love with Pride 2025, which includes a major Pride Parade and several other exciting events.
One of the key highlights of this year’s festivities will be performances by the renowned House of Heals drag troupe, along with a stylish fashion show by Muse by Metinee. The celebrations will also extend into June 1, coinciding with the much-anticipated Bangkok Pride Festival 2025, expected to draw over 300,000 participants, according to the Bangkok Post.
Pride Parades will take place in 19 Central locations nationwide, including in Central Phuket, Central Pattaya, and Central Khon Kaen. This extensive reach is expected to draw more than 1.3 million visitors throughout the country this year, reflecting the growing popularity and significance of the event.
In addition to the parades, the campaign will feature a variety of unique activities that cater to diverse interests. These include meet-and-greet sessions with popular Boy Love actors, Pride markets, speed dating events, Pride Talks, and the Beyond the Rainbow reflection campaign. Some of the Central branches will also offer marriage registration services, underscoring the initiative’s commitment to inclusivity and equal rights for the LGBTQIAN+ community.
Through these efforts, the Pride Celebration campaign aims not only to raise awareness about LGBTQIAN+ rights and visibility but also to significantly contribute to Thailand’s economic growth by tapping into the burgeoning rainbow economy. As Thailand continues to develop as a global LGBTQIAN+ hub, initiatives like Pride For All play a pivotal role in reinforcing the country’s commitment to equality, human rights, and economic prosperity for all.
