The event, titled ‘Our World is Equal: Awareness, Awareness, Awareness of Gender Equality (Pride for All)’, took place at the Seabed Grand Hotel in Wichit, with Phuket Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai presiding over the opening ceremony.
Joining Mr Samawit were Sompit Srikhamhaeng, head of the Phuket Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office, as well as representatives from family networks, volunteer groups, community development centres, government agencies, community organisations and the general public. A total of 70 participants attended.
The programme was organised as part of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security’s efforts to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all individuals, regardless of race, gender, religion or political beliefs, noted an official report of the event.
Vice Governor Samawit described the project as both valuable and essential, highlighting its role in fostering greater awareness of gender equality and diversity ‒ core principles of human rights that ensure everyone is entitled to the same freedoms, rights and opportunities.
He expressed his gratitude to all participating agencies for their commitment to supporting the initiative and recognizing the importance of promoting gender equality in society.
The event aimed to encourage participants to gain a deeper, more accurate understanding of gender equality and diversity, helping to lay the groundwork for a more inclusive society, he added.
ALL PRIDE
Phuket’s ‘Pride Month’ events kicked off in Patong with a beach volleyball tournament and week of LGBTQIAN+ activities, including a ‘Pride Talk’ hosted by the Andaman Power Phuket Association focusing on fostering dialogue around rights, equality and the need for legal and social reform.
Patong’s key activities culminated with the annual Pride Parade last Sunday (June 8), which heavy rain even failed to dampen.
At that event Vice Governor Suwit praised the parade as a symbol of inclusivity and Phuket’s commitment to human rights. Organisers also announced that Phuket will host the InterPride Virtual General Meeting & World Conference in 2026, aiming to strengthen Phuket’s position as a global LGBTQIAN+ destination. Tourism officials hope to attract over 4 million LGBTQIAN+ visitors annually, generating more than B65 million in revenue each year.
The Phuket Pride events continue in Phuket Town, where the ‘PRIDE Bunny’ mascot at the Chartered Bank Intersection stands tall. The colourful rabbit, inspired by the Taoist rabbit god Tu Er Shen, symbolises gender fluidity and protection for the LGBTQ+ community.
This year’s theme of Phuket Town’s Pride events, ‘Wave of Generations’, aims to unite people of all ages, genders, and identities through inclusive activities.
Highlights include a grand parade on June 28, featuring over 25 groups from government, private organisations and artists, followed by an evening of mini-concerts on Phang Nga Rd. Organisers have prepared parking for more than 800 participants to accommodate large crowds expected for the festivities.