Love is love: Celebrating the diversity

We believe diversity is amazing and it is this diversity that helps make Thailand such a fantastic holiday destination. A country that welcomes all visitors regardless of your age, colour, identity, or who you love. In Thailand, we believe love is love.

This progressive attitude isn’t always seen in other areas of Asia, and Thailand is proud to be a diverse and inclusive destination. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) actively supports LGBT+ travel. In 2019, TAT launched the Go Thai Be Free campaign to showcase how welcoming the country is to LGBT+ travellers.

As a majority Buddhist country, Thailand enjoys a reputation for tolerance and understanding. Most Thai people will accept you as a person irrespective of sexuality, religion or race. 

Thailand is one of the world’s most popular gay travel destinations. In the main cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai and resort areas like Phuket and Ko Samui, same-sex couples or transgender travellers should have no issues. More rural areas of Thailand tend to be more conservative, but LGBT+ travellers are unlikely to encounter any prejudice.

Krabi, Southern Thailand
(Photo: Shutterstock)

In general, the same advice applies to all visitors to Thailand regardless of gender or sexuality; respect Thai culture and the local way of life and you will be made welcome. Do keep in mind that public displays of affection, whether it be for straight couples or gay couples, aren’t common in Thailand.

Although Thailand has a progressive attitude towards sexual diversity and gender, same-sex marriage is yet to be recognised. That is changing, though. In 2020, the Thai government approved the Civil Partnership Bill which recognises same-sex unions. The legislation doesn’t yet go as far as endorsing same-sex marriage, but it is a big step in the right direction.

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