Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat officially launched the event at the Chartered Bank intersection on Thalang Rd in the heart of Phuket Old Town. The grand celebration, featuring a colourful parade and a variety of cultural activities, aimed to showcase Phuket as a ‘city of equality’ on the global stage and to strengthen its image as an international destination that embraces diversity.
The opening ceremony was led by Phuket Town Mayor Suphot La-ongphet, who welcomed participants and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to supporting the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQIA+ community.
“Phuket City Pride is not just a festival. It is a powerful statement that our city is a safe, welcoming space for everyone. We aim to foster understanding and acceptance while driving sustainable, inclusive tourism that leaves no one behind,” Mayor Suphot said during a live interview on national television.
The event was a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors, local administrative organisations, LGBTQIA+ community groups, and networks from across the country. Among the key supporters was Thirasak Phalang-ngam, Chairman of Andaman Charoen Co Ltd., who marched in the parade to demonstrate private sector support for diversity and human rights.
Phuket Nine Co Ltd also played a prominent role, with its executive Paphasorn Meepa leading a lively procession titled ‘Sound of Pride’, which highlighted the importance of giving voice to freedom and equality across genders and generations.
“This is about more than celebration ‒ it’s about being heard,” Ms Paphasorn said. “Everyone should have the right to live, love, and express themselves freely. That’s what the ‘Sound of Pride’ represents.”
The highlight of the festival was a grand rainbow flag parade that swept through the streets of Phuket’s Old Town, drawing more than 4,000 participants, including local and international tourists, artists, celebrities, government officials and residents.
Adding a unique cultural touch to this year’s event was the introduction of ‘Pride Bunny’, the official mascot of Phuket City Pride 2025. The rabbit, inspired by Chinese folklore, symbolises gender fluidity, as the animals were believed to exhibit characteristics that blurred gender distinctions. The Pride Bunny served as a powerful symbol of the festival’s core message: there are no boundaries when it comes to gender identity.
Throughout the day, the celebration featured live performances, cultural showcases, interactive booths and a seminar on human rights and gender equality. The activities provided an open, educational platform for participants to explore LGBTQIA+ issues, promote social harmony, and encourage dialogue across communities.
The event’s ‘Wave of Generations’ theme resonated strongly, emphasising the role of people from all backgrounds in shaping a future where diversity is not only accepted but celebrated.
Phuket officials, including Governor Sophon, stressed that the province is determined to position itself as a leading destination for inclusive tourism, where people of every identity can feel safe, valued and free.
“This is the Phuket we want the world to see: a city where equality is not just a word, but a way of life,” Phuket Town Mayor Mr Suphot said.
Mayor Suphot also emphasised that Phuket City Municipality will continue to support initiatives that champion human rights, diversity, and inclusive cultural development in line with global sustainability goals.