Phuket Pride Festival set for June 1-7 in Patong with equality and tourism focus
Phuket Pride Festival will run in Patong from June 1-7, with organisers promoting equality, diversity and the island’s standing as an international Pride destination.
The Phuket Pride Festival will be held in Patong from June 1-7 under the theme “From Visibility To Equality”, with organisers aiming to strengthen the island’s profile as an international Pride destination and support long-term ambitions to host World Pride 2030.
The festival was officially launched at Jungceylon shopping mall in Patong earlier this week. Representing Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn, Kathu Senior District Clerk Danai Chai-kang presided over the press conference alongside Patong Deputy Mayor Sanakorn Kisin, Southern Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau Director Pattanachai Singhavara, Simon Cabaret Phuket executive Porntep Ruayrin and Andaman Power Association President Supakorn Suwan.
Officials from Patong Police, the Phuket Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office and the Tourism Authority of Thailand Phuket office also attended.
Organisers said the festival reflects cooperation among government agencies, private businesses and LGBTQIN+ community networks to promote an open and inclusive society that respects diversity and equal coexistence.
Supakorn said the event would help reinforce Phuket’s image as a safe and welcoming world-class tourism destination for people of all genders, cultures and nationalities, while also supporting the local economy and tourism sector.
He said Phuket has hosted its Pride festival in different forms for 27 years, originating in Patong. What began as a gathering of the LGBTQ+ community has since developed into a broader platform for human rights campaigns, sexual health awareness and HIV prevention programmes. He added that Phuket Pride has also joined the international Pride City Network.
“This year’s Phuket Pride Festival aims to elevate Thailand’s Pride celebrations to international standards while promoting sustainable equality,” Supakorn said.
Andaman Power Association vice president Nopsorn Sittivej said this year’s programme would combine entertainment, sport and academic discussions centred on diversity, equality and safe spaces.
Scheduled events include the Phuket Pride Beach Volleyball Competition from May 29-31, Pride Talk Volume III on June 4, and the Miss Queen Andaman Power 2026 contest on June 5 at Jungceylon Shopping Center.
Organisers described the pageant as Phuket’s largest TG beauty contest, with participants competing to become the 11th “Rainbow Pearl of the Andaman” and represent Phuket Pride activities over the coming year.
The festival will conclude on Sunday, June 7, with the Phuket Pride Parade following its traditional route from Ratchaprachanukroh Road at the southern end of Patong, along Thaweewong Road on the beachfront and into Bangla Road.
Organisers are inviting local residents as well as Thai and international tourists to join the celebrations in support of equality and diversity. The closing events will also feature a concert by performers from “The Voice Pride”, including Peekada Luangpratum, Wuttipong Kham-on, Thapakorn Kongsuwan, Arin Puangpong and Thammarat Yothachul.
Patong Municipality said the event represents cooperation between Phuket Province, Patong Municipality, the Andaman Power Association, Jungceylon Shopping Center, businesses, civil society organisations and LGBTQIN+ networks nationwide in promoting Phuket as a major international Pride destination.
