Central Pattana Celebrates Thailand’s Pride Celebration 2025 “Pride For All” for the 6th Consecutive Year promote Thailand as global Pride landmark
เกริก บุณยโยธิน
20 May, 2025 at 16.38 pm
– Reaffirming its role as The Pioneer of Equality, Central Group unites to celebrate “Embracing Freedom” — championing openness, embracing all forms of diversity, and advancing toward limitless freedom where everyone can express their true selves with pride.
– Driving economic and tourism growth through Rainbow Economy – Rainbow Tourism – Rainbow Entertainment — fast-growing with immense value.
– A spectacular highlight with Gen-tailored activities at CentralWorld on May 31 for Love with Pride 2025 — featuring the first full-scale parade in collaboration with Central Department Store, the “Single and Charming” market by Spicy Disc, a special Muse by Metinee x House of HEALS show, and vibrant appearances by Freen–Becky. The celebration culminates on June 1 with the Bangkok Pride Festival 2025, drawing an epic finale with over 300,000 attendees.
– Thailand’s No.1 Pride Landmark celebrates nationwide with Pride Parades across 19 branches in all regions, packed with vibrant events and exclusive Pride collections from leading brands throughout June. Attracting high-spending tourists, the campaign is expected to draw over 1.3 million visitors across the country.
– Showcasing Thailand’s potential to host World Pride 2030 as a global LGBTQIAN+ destination and a leading force in soft power across multiple diversity-driven industries.
Central Pattana plc, Thailand’s leading real estate developer and operator of Central shopping centers nationwide, is reaffirming its role as The Pioneer of Equality, marking the 6th consecutive year of initiating Pride Month celebrations. The grand launch of Thailand’s Pride Celebration 2025: “Pride For All” sees Central shopping centers across the country transformed into inclusive spaces that champion self-expression and equality. The event underscores Thailand’s potential to host World Pride 2030, while driving momentum for the tourism and economic sectors in Q2. It also highlights the global influence of Thailand’s entertainment industry, particularly in the Boys Love and Girls Love genres.
VDO Clip Click : https://youtu.be/VXBccio–DM
The press conference was honored by Dr. Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, Chief Marketing Officer of Central Pattana plc; along with Mr. Worawit Tantiprayuk, Director of Business Development, Spicy Disc Co., Ltd.; Ms. Threeranandha Leelahawong, Head of PR, Community, and Brand Partnership, Central Department Store, Central Retail; Mr. Phimuk Simaroj, Secretary to the Governor of Bangkok; Ms. Sunanta Hamontri Director of Domestic Public Relations Division the Tourism Authority of Thailand; Ms. Niamh Collier-Smith, Representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Thailand; Ms. Metinee Kingpayome, CEO of Muse by Metinee; Ms. Arun Chumaporn, President and Founder of Narumit Pride Co., Ltd.; Ms. Panatchakorn Nakarat, Beauty Product Manager, Galderma (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Dr. Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, Chief Marketing Officer of Central Pattana plc, said: “Central Pattana views Pride Month as more than just a celebration of equality—it is about Freedom, Human Rights, and unlimited gender inclusivity. These are fundamental values that everyone deserves. Central shopping centers nationwide proudly serve as open, inclusive spaces where everyone can freely express their identity. Pride Month is also a powerful cultural festival that drives tourism and economic growth. Central Pattana has become Thailand’s No.1 Pride Landmark, consistently creating massive nationwide impact, doubling the scale of events every year—from 9 branches in 2023 to 39 branches in 2025—with over 1.3 million participants expected nationwide. This success would not be possible without the strong collaboration from public and private sector partners. Together, We have become the first country in Southeast Asia, the third in Asia after Taiwan and Nepal, and the 38th in the world to successfully pass a marriage equality law”
The Rainbow Economy is experiencing rapid and powerful growth, especially in the tourism, entertainment and lifestyle industries thanks to the LGBTQIAN+ community, which includes 400-800 million people worldwide, accounting for 5-10% of the world’s population. In Thailand, there are more than 6 million members of the LGBTQIAN+ community and it is expected that they will generate over 150 billion baht per year, helping increase GDP by 0.3%. Marriage equality legislation will bring positive effects on tourism and investment with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) estimating revenue from LGBTQIAN+ tourists to reach $2 billion dollar per year, Globally, the LGBTQ+ travel market is projected to be worth approximately USD 357 billion in 2025, with potential growth reaching USD 604.34 billion by 2032. Meanwhile, Thailand’s soft power such as the ‘Thai Girl Love’ genre series have become popular worldwide, with hundreds of millions of views, generating a huge amount of revenue and cultural influence; featuring strong support, it is expected to generate revenue of up to 2 billion baht per year.
Global insights on diversity
Recent data* reveals a significant global shift in perspectives on gender and sexual diversity—especially among Gen Z, with 23% identifying as LGBTQIAN+, the highest across all generations. This reflects a new mindset that values boundless freedom and self-expression. Millennials follow at 14%, having been a key driving force during the early Pride Movement. In contrast, only 5% of Gen X and 3% of Baby Boomers identify similarly, with many still viewing it as a niche issue. Data from the European Union in 2023 further highlights increasing openness at the policy level, with strong public support for marriage equality: 94% in Sweden and the Netherlands, 93% in Denmark, and 79% in France. These figures demonstrate growing mainstream acceptance of gender diversity across societies.
LGBTQIAN+ Hub of Asia and aiming to become the official host for World Pride 2030
“Thailand is recognized as the world’s No.1 destination for gender-affirming surgery, with its Medical Tourism sector projected to reach THB 16 billion in value by 2025*. At the same time, the country serves as an emotional safe space for the global LGBTQIAN+ community—particularly travelers from China, South Korea, and the Middle East—who see Thailand as a hub of cultural celebration. With the global influence of Thailand’s Girl Love series and vibrant Drag Culture, the nation is fully poised to proudly host World Pride 2030,” Dr. Nattakit concluded.
Mr. Phimuk Simaroj, Secretary to the Governor of Bangkok said: “The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is proud to support Thailand in hosting World Pride 2030 — a milestone that would mark the first time this global celebration comes to Asia. Our city is well-positioned, with world-class infrastructure, safety, inclusivity, and — most importantly — strong collaboration between the public and private sectors. This year marks a key moment as we join hands with partners to present Thailand’s readiness on the global stage. Hosting World Pride in Bangkok would create meaningful impact in terms of tourism, the economy, and international perception. We deeply appreciate Central Pattana for being a pioneering force behind the ‘Pride for All’ campaign for six consecutive years. Their continued partnership with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration — especially over the past three years — has helped establish Pride landmarks across the country and shown how collaboration can build safe, inclusive spaces. The strong public response — including 600–700 couples registering under the new marriage equality law on its first day — shows that Bangkok and Thailand are ready to welcome the world with pride.” Mr. Phimuk said
Ms. Niamh Collier-Smith, Representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Thailand said: “With the passing of the Equal Marriage Act, Thailand has emerged as a global leader in advancing equality. But legal rights are just the beginning — the true challenge lies in ensuring those rights are lived and felt in every part of life. At UNDP, we believe workplaces play a crucial role in that journey. Through our collaboration with community leaders, academic partners, and international allies, we’ve developed an Inclusion Toolkit — a practical guide to help businesses build environments that are safe, inclusive, and empowering for everyone. The reality is clear: over 50% of the LGBTQ+ community in Thailand still face discrimination in the workplace. That must change. It’s time for the business community to step up and lead the way toward true inclusion.” Ms. Niamh said
Ms. Arun Chumaporn, President and Founder of Narumit Pride Co., Ltd. said: “Six years ago, Central Pattana was the first organization to take a stand and create a space for Pride and to celebrate Pride Month. That became a powerful source of inspiration for us and showed us that ‘it is possible.Over the years, we’ve consistently shared with centralwOrld our desire to see a Pride celebration that is as grand as the New Year Countdown—because we believe Pride is not just for the LGBTQ+ community, but a powerful force for all of Thai society. Today, Naruemit Pride is ready to join hands with the government, all sectors, and Central Pattana to amplify Thailand’s voice on the global stage—declaring to the world that we are proudly moving forward on the path of true equality and human dignity.” Ms. Arun said
Ms. Metinee Kingpayome, CEO of Muse by Metinee said: “This marks the 6th year that Muse by Metinee has partnered with Central Pattana and CentralWorld to kick off Pride Month. What began as a shared vision has become a powerful movement for equality, visibility, and love in every form. We’re proud to present a vibrant parade and a headline show by House of Heals, Thailand’s leading drag house. This year is extra special for me personally — it’s my very first drag performance, and I’m beyond excited to share the stage with such powerful drag artists. Even though the same-sex marriage law has passed, our mission isn’t over. True equality must happen every day in society — at home, in workplaces, and in schools. Muse by Metinee and Central Pattana will continue working together to make Thailand a safe, inclusive, and globally recognized destination — while supporting Bangkok’s bid to host World Pride 2030. We thank the LGBTQIAN+ community and all sectors who’ve helped push this movement forward. Real change is happening, and together we’re making history. Because to us, Pride isn’t just a once-a-year festival — it’s a spirit we carry every day through love, respect, and acceptance.” Ms. Metinee said
