Bangkok: Bangkok’s streets burst with vibrant colors as Pride Month commenced in Thailand, signaling the nation’s progress towards recognizing same-sex marriages. Amidst a sea of rainbow flags, thousands of LGBTQ+ individuals and activists congregated for a spirited parade through the capital’s thoroughfares. Messages of “Love Wins” adorned signs and placards, echoing the collective sentiment of the event.
“This year’s pride parade can be considered one of the biggest because it coincides with the passing of the same-sex marriage,” remarked Avorawan Ramwan, who joyfully participated alongside her partner.
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Anticipation mounts as Thailand prepares to legalize same-sex marriage, with an equality bill slated for final readings in the country’s Senate later this month. Even Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin joined the colorful procession, sporting a rainbow shirt as a symbol of solidarity. “It is a basic right to choose who to love,” he affirmed in a social media post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
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The bill garnered overwhelming support during its initial reading in the upper house back in April and is now poised for its crucial second and third readings. “The Senate will likely pass the bill on June 18,” disclosed Senator Wallop Tangkananuruk, chairman of the Senate’s committee on same-sex marriage, in an interview with Reuters.
Should the bill proceed unaltered from the lower house, it will advance for royal approval, with the law slated to take effect 120 days following its publication in the Royal Gazette. “Pride events are meaningful, and Thailand is known worldwide as a paradise for the LGBT community. Therefore, we must help promote and advocate for it, as well as implement laws to support the LGBT community,” emphasized transgender woman Aunchanaporn Pilsauta.
