Phuket Pride Festival 2026 opens with Patong parade to promote equality and inclusion

Phuket Pride Festival 2026 opened on June 7 with a large parade through Patong Beach and Bangla Road, marking a public celebration of equality, human rights and gender diversity in Phuket.

Acting Phuket Provincial Chief Administration Officer Naphat Em-on, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security Advisor Anekchai Rueangrattanakorn, and Patong Mayor Lalita Maneesri led the parade.

The event drew local residents, international tourists and members of the LGBTQIAN+ community, according to the government public relations release. Participants gathered to advocate for human dignity, mutual respect and social inclusion.

The parade moved along Patong beachfront road before entering Bangla Road, turning the center of one of Phuket’s main tourism areas into a Pride celebration.

Provincial authorities said the festival reflects Phuket’s policy of promoting equity and maintaining the island as an open, safe and inclusive destination for visitors of all nationalities, cultures, religions and gender identities.

Held under the theme “Be Loud, Be Proud, Be You,” the festival was described as part of efforts to advance local human rights frameworks. Authorities and civic networks said the annual event is also intended to strengthen Phuket’s standing in the international Pride City Network while showing public-private support for social equality and diverse economic growth.

The information was released by the Thai Government PR Department in a press release.