Bangkok’s LGBTQIA Scene

Daily Life & Public Attitudes to Queerness

Thailand overall is open-minded about same-sex relationships, trans individuals, and other aspects of being in the LGBTQIA community, but day-to-day life as an openly queer person Bangkok or Thailand is a bit more complicated and the legalities and quietly spoken opinions are not all as inclusive as one might think.

However, Bangkok’s thriving LGBTQ+ scene is a testament to the city’s growing attitude to inclusivity.

Timeline Toward Marriage Equality in Thailand

Until recently, Thailand has not recognized same-sex unions of any kind. However, Thai public opinion has consistently favoured legal recognition of same-sex marriages.

2002: Ministry of Health declares homosexuality not a mental illness.
September 2011: Same-sex marriage legislation proposed but rejected.
December 25, 2018: Cabinet approves the “Same Sex Life Partnership Registration Bill” granting some marriage-related rights to same-sex couples.
2018: LGBT Discrimination became illegal.
2022: Marriage Equality Bill passes first readings in the Thai parliament.
February 14, 2023: Dusit district issues non-binding partnership certificates to same-sex couples.
In Thailand transgender people can’t change their legal gender.
Same-sex adoption is still not legal.

We hope to see full marriage equality soon.

Bangkok LGBTQ+ Spaces

Beyond the conventional nightclub scene, Bangkok boasts a plethora of venues catering to all facets of the community. From bars and cafes to art galleries, and community and medical centers.

Gay Bars Bangkok

While the majority of bars in the Bangkok gay scene cater to men, some boast a mixed LGBTQIA crowd.

The House of Heals

The home of Pangina Heals, Thai drag queen, panelist on Drag Race Thailand, and contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race. They put on phenomenal high-production shows nightly except Tuesdays.

The Stranger Bar Bangkok

They offer great cocktails and energetic beats in a modern setting. With daily happy hours and must-see drag shows most nights, it is the ultimate queer party.

DJ Station Bangkok

This club on Silom Soi 2 is our top gay and lesbian venue in Bangkok. With diverse entertainment, including cheesy pop, techno, and fabulous drag queens, it has an inclusive atmosphere for a mixed queer community.

Lesbian Bars Bangkok

Bangkok’s only lesbian establishments E-Fun and Zeta have both closed and currently there are no dedicated gay bars for women in Bangkok.

Bangkok Pride & Celebrations

June is Pride Month in Thailand and The Bangkok Pride Parade usually happens on the first Sunday. It transforms the streets into a kaleidoscope of colors, music, and joy. But it’s more than a 1-day event. Throughout the month there are gallery exhibitions, talks, movie screenings, parties, cruises, and acts of activism for equality.