ไทย
Phuket – On October 16, 2025, representatives from InterPride — the global network of Pride organizers — led by Rick André, Co-President of InterPride, and James Andrew Baker, InterPride Consultant & UN Advocacy Lead, paid a courtesy visit to Mr. Saransak Srikruenate, Governor of Phuket, to discuss cooperation and preparations for Phuket to host the InterPride General Meeting & World Conference 2026 (GM&WC 2026). The global conference is scheduled to take place from October 26–31, 2026, marking a momentous occasion as Thailand officially becomes the host nation of the world’s largest Pride movement conference. Phuket was selected as the Host City after a comprehensive review of several candidate locations across Thailand, based on its world-class infrastructure, hospitality excellence, and its open, inclusive community that embraces gender and sexual diversity.
This milestone marks a historic first — the very first time in history that the InterPride World Conference will be held in Asia, underscoring InterPride’s commitment to connecting Pride organizers worldwide and advancing global equality through collaboration. The 2026 conference is expected to attract delegates from over 70 countries, with 400–500 participants and more than 1,000 Thai volunteers joining hands to welcome the global Pride community to Phuket. This landmark event reinforces Thailand’s growing reputation as a premier international meeting destination and a beacon of freedom, equality, and sustainability in Asia.
Rick André, Co-President of InterPride, expressed his excitement:
“We are thrilled that InterPride 2026 will be hosted in Phuket, Thailand. This marks not only the first time our global event comes to Asia, but also coincides with Thailand’s historic passage of the Marriage Equality Law. It is a powerful moment for learning, connection, and solidarity with the movement for equality across the region.”
Beyond being a platform for the exchange of knowledge on human rights, gender equality, and LGBTQIAN+ inclusion, InterPride 2026 will also serve as a strategic milestone in Thailand’s journey to officially bid for WorldPride 2030. The Thailand Bid Presentation is scheduled to take place in Phuket during the 2026 conference.
Thailand’s official hosting will be led by a strong coalition:
– Bangkok Pride (Narumit Pride Co., Ltd.) – National Lead Organizer
– Phuket Pride (Andaman Power Association) – Local Host in Phuket
– Foundation for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Rights and Justice (FOR-SOGI) – National Coordination Body for the Pride City Network Thailand, a collective of over 40 cities nationwide.
The conference also enjoys strong support from Phuket’s private sector, spanning tourism, hospitality, arts, culture, and the creative industries — all coming together to extend the warmth of the “Thai smile” and the “Spirit of Phuket” to guests from around the world.
Ahead of the official provincial committee formation, Phuket has already been actively preparing through close collaboration among government agencies, private partners, and community groups. These efforts focus on coordination, budgeting, public communication, and tourism infrastructure development to ensure a seamless and impactful global event.
To guide these preparations, Phuket has appointed a Consultative Committee for InterPride 2026, chaired by Ms. Wirintra Papakitiyotphat, Chairperson of Nikorn Marine Co., Ltd. The advisory board includes leading figures from various sectors, such as:
– Mr. Wittaya Ketchu, Director of Phuket Vocational College
– Ms. Disra Changcharoen, Senior Marketing Manager of Jungceylon Patong Shopping Center
– Mr. Porntep Ruairin, Managing Director of Phuket Simon Cabaret Co., Ltd.
– Mr. Teerasak Pholngam, CEO of Tablespoon Co., Ltd.
This advisory group has played a vital role in driving preparations — from welcoming international delegates and creating innovative communication strategies to promoting Phuket as a “LGBTQ+ Friendly City” under the concept “Phuket Pride City – The City of Freedom, Equality & Sustainability.”
Mr. Saransak Srikruenate, Governor of Phuket, expressed his pride and readiness, stating:
“Phuket is fully prepared to welcome the world as a safe and inclusive space for everyone. We are honored that our province will serve as the gateway of friendship, freedom, and equality — a true reflection of the Thai spirit. Phuket stands ready to be a place of fairness, diversity, and opportunity for people from all corners of the globe.”
Ultimately, InterPride 2026 will be more than a global Pride conference — it will be a declaration to the world that Thailand and Phuket are “The Rainbow Pearl of Asia”: a destination that opens its home, its heart, and its horizons to celebrate the beautiful diversity of humankind.