Thai PM-in-waiting joins Pride parade & pledges to prioritise same-sex marriage legislation
Pita Limjaroenrat’s push for equal rights also supports Bangkok’s bid to host WorldPride 2028
On Sunday, June 4, Thailand’s Prime Minister frontrunner and leader of the Move Forward Party, Pita Limjaroenrat, joined a parade in Bangkok in celebration of Pride Month, demonstrating his support for the country’s LGBTQ community.
Limjaroenrat marched among the 50,000-strong crowd, cementing himself as an advocate for equal rights during Thailand’s second Pride parade.
Known to represent a progressive political force in the country, the Move Forward Party obtained the most seats in last month’s general election.
Thailand has always upheld its image of tolerance, allowing it to attract tourists in the millions each year. However, the country’s legislation seems to not yet be in line with the existing collective attitude of its citizens.
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Responding to this, Limjaroenrat has announced that the same-sex marriage bill — which previously failed to pass the last parliament — will be a priority agenda if and when he will be able to form a government.
Limjaroenrat will also be pushing for a gender identity law which will give Thai citizens the freedom to identify by their non-birth sex and names — a first in the country.
"These few things will make the celebration of diversity in Pride Month into pride always," said Limjaroenrat at the parade.
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In addition to promoting equality in the country, these efforts are also considered to be in support of Bangkok’s bid towards hosting WorldPride in 2028.
Thai Activist Chumaporn “Waddao” Taengkliang (founder of Naruemit Pride, organizer of Bangkok Pride) mentions that this bid aims to pressure the government in passing the legislation since each bidding city will be checked to see if it is LGBTQ-friendly.
[Image via Bangkok Pride]
Via: Reuters & South China Morning Post
Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.
