Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Yotsanun Wongsawat joined the Bangkok Pride Festival parade on Sunday, as the country continues its campaign to host WorldPride in 2030.
Wongsawat led the Pheu Thai Party’s marching group during the annual parade, which this year was held under the theme “Patch the World with Pride”.
“Today I’m joining Pride Month to promote equality in all aspects,” Yotsanun said, according to the Thai Examiner.
“We feel that the issue of equality needs to be expanded in all dimensions and forms to prepare for our bid to host the World Pride event, a significant event and a milestone that is not easily achieved,” he continued.
“We are working on marriage equality and various projects to show everyone what kind of equality Thailand offers, which will enable us to compete.
“Today’s event is another opportunity to communicate and expand on this, demonstrating that Thailand is ready for equality.”
Thailand’s Social Development and Human Security Minister Nikorn Somklang also marched in the parade, alongside several other Pheu Thai Party MPs and members of the party’s executive.
“Readiness is a key driving force in hosting WorldPride 2030”
In a post on X, Wongsawat said the Pheu Thai Party was “expanding the theme of diversity to include not only the LGBTQIA+ community but also all groups in society.”
“Creating safe spaces and respecting human dignity equally is proof that Thailand needs and must be ready for coexistence despite differences,” he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister added that “readiness is a key driving force in hosting World Pride 2030”, pointing to both human rights and economic benefits.
“Security reinforces Thailand’s achievement of being the first ASEAN nation to enact equal marriage laws, reflecting the country’s image as one that respects diversity on the world stage,” he said.
He also described WorldPride as a potential driver of the “Rainbow Economy”, saying it could attract significant tourism revenue while strengthening Thailand’s cultural profile internationally.
“Hosting this event, therefore, creates economic growth that progresses alongside promoting Thai human rights internationally,” he added.
Could Bangkok host WorldPride 2030?
Bangkok and Barcelona are considered the two leading contenders to host WorldPride 2030, the global LGBTQIA+ festival sometimes described as the Olympics of Pride events.
WorldPride has only been held in the Asia-Pacific region once before, when Sydney hosted the celebration in 2023. If Bangkok is successful, it would mark the first time the event has been held in Asia.
Thailand’s bid is strengthened by its legalisation of same-sex marriage in 2025, its reputation as an LGBTQIA+-friendly international tourism destination and its strategic location between Europe and the Americas.
Barcelona also has a strong case. Spain is widely recognised as a global leader on LGBTQIA+ equality, was one of the first countries to legalise same-sex marriage and consistently ranks among the best places in the world for LGBTQIA+ people.
However, Spain has hosted WorldPride before, with Madrid holding the event in 2017. That may be a factor when organisers weigh up the bids for 2030.
Amsterdam is set to host WorldPride next in July 2026, following Washington DC’s hosting of the event in June 2025.
For Thailand, Bangkok Pride has become more than a celebration. It is now a key part of the country’s effort to present itself as a regional leader on LGBTQIA+ equality and a serious contender to bring WorldPride to Asia for the first time.
