Pride seen as 'economic opportunity'

While the recently passed Marriage Equality Bill marks a historic milestone for Thailand’s LGBTQ+ community, some experts say the country must go further by positioning this group in the upcoming Pride Month not just as symbols of progress but as drivers of economic growth.

- PORAMET TANGSATHAPORN

The issue was raised yesterday during the Bangkok Pride Forum, a three-day event being held from May 30 to June 1, featuring wide-ranging discussions on business and the economy, healthcare, education, human rights, the environ-ment, and technology.

One session explored how Thai-land’s LGBTQ+ community can move beyond being a token of gender diver-sity to becoming a powerful force in the nation’s creative and cultural sectors.

Panellists agreed that the Marriage Equality Law, which came into effect on Jan 23, has laid a strong legal founda-tion, but sustained and inclusive efforts are needed to fully integrate LGBTQ+ individuals into the economic fabric of the country.

Alisa Phanthusak, managing director of Tiffany's Show Pattaya, said her organisation has long prioritised talent over personal identity.