PPAO President Rewat Areerob presided over the event, held at the Simon Cabaret entertainment venue in Patong. Joining the event were representatives from various public and private sector partners.
The event was jointly organised by the Phuket LGBTQ+ gender diversity group Andaman Power and network partners.
The event aimed to create a supportive and inclusive society in Phuket. By embracing gender diversity from within the country to the international level, Phuket can push for the creation of a sustainable economy, such as being a centre for various aspects of the LGBTQ+ group, equal marriage, employment, hospitality and tourism services, international exhibition conferences and skilled labour, Mr Rewat explained.
The Pride Talk Vol. 1 event featured three main segments: "Do you Hear Me?", "Space for Sustainability," and the presentation of awards to influential LGBTQ+ figures. The awards celebrated individuals and organisations for their contributions to promoting sexual diversity.
The awards handed out comprised:
Organisation or Group Championing Sexual Diversity:
Andaman Power, a public service organisation led by Nopasorn Sitthiwech (Vicky) and Supakorn Suwan (Aek).
Influential Person in Education:
Likhit Lalang (Teacher Aor), Thai language teacher and head of community relations at Satree Phuket School.
Influential Person in Tourism:
Somyot Pathan (Khal), President of the Old Phuket Town Community Enterprise.
Influential Person in Creative Business Development:
Chanok Kaewseenual (Tangmo), pioneer in the entertainment business on Paradise Soi.
Influential Person for Promoting Phuket’s Reputation:
Teerasak Pholngam (Kim), CEO of Tablespoon Co., Ltd. (part of the Tu Kab Khao Restaurant Group).
Influential Person in Career Development for the LGBTQ+ Community:
Wirat Ruairin (Mami Tan), Managing Director of Simon Cabaret Phuket.
Influential Person in Arts and Culture:
Khanat Wangkiat (Jack Tui), a local artist.
The PPAO plans to integrate the insights gathered from the event with various stakeholders and allocate budgetary support for LGBTQ+ activities, said an official report of the event.
Additionally, efforts are underway to establish an association to further formalise and advance the initiatives discussed, the report added.