PUTTING NUMBERS TO DİVERSİTY

An LGBTI census reveals generational differences in identity, expression and challenges faced due to societal norms

- STORY: THANA BOONLERT

Around 1.6 million individuals identify as gender-diverse, according to Thailand's first LGBTI census by Mahidol University and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth).

The study was unveiled at an event titled "Diversity Behind the Numbers: An Insight of Thai LGBTI's Sexualities," at Siam Paragon during the recent three-day Bangkok Pride Festival 2025.

"It is crucial for policymakers. This survey provides empirical evidence for the size of this population group, which is now recorded in the country's database," said Poranee Puprasert, an assistant manager at ThaiHealth.

Assoc Prof Kritaya Archavanitkul, adviser to the survey project at Mahidol University's Institute for Population and Social Research, said it is the first time a study targeted the LGBTI population. Researchers collected data from 2,466 households, which comprised 9,588 individuals, by means of proxy response in Ratchaburi last year. Household heads provided demographic data of their members.

"It brought to light an LGBTI household for the first time. It should be noted that 11.7% of household heads were gender-diverse," she said.

First, the study classified gender and sexual identity. Almost half of those assigned male at birth reported to be transgender (47.2%) and gay (43.4%), while two-thirds of those assigned female at birth were predominantly found to be lesbian (67.4%). Bisexuality and pansexuality are significantly higher in females. In particular, 19% had bisexual interest compared to 2% of males. (see graphic titled LGBTI Gender and Sexual Identity Classification)

Assoc Prof Kritaya said the survey calculated the gender-diverse population to be 2.37%.

"In other words, Thailand now has at least 1.6 million gender-diverse individuals because many who really identify as LGBTI are not [publicly known and reported," she said.