Bangkok Pride and BMA Launch WorldPride 2030 Bid Plan at BACC on 16 October 2026

Naruemit Pride Co., Ltd., organiser of the Bangkok Pride Festival, in collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Pride City Network from 58 cities nationwide, held the launch event for the strategic document Bidbook Road to Bangkok WorldPride 2030 and the 100 Voices: Road to Bangkok WorldPride 2030 campaign on 16 October 2026 at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC). This joint effort was held during the final 30 days before the host city selection consideration to declare Bangkok's readiness in bidding against the city of Barcelona to host the global event. Furthermore, the organising committee presented activities under the core theme Until All of Us Are Free to drive Bangkok forward as a safe space and the first hub for advancing human rights in the Asian region.

Cooperation from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Power of 100+ Voices Across All Sectors

Pornphrom Vikitsreth, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, who presided over the opening ceremony, affirmed the public sector's readiness to coordinate cooperation with civil society, the private sector and the public to create a Safe Space where everyone can proudly express their identity. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration also aims to promote creative tourism that embraces cultural diversity and community identities to sustainably accommodate visitors from around the world. Meanwhile, Ann Chumaporn, Founder and President of Bangkok Pride, stated that bidding to host WorldPride 2030 is a significant milestone in proving that the Marriage Equality Act has genuinely elevated the quality of life, dignity and freedom of the people. Bringing this global event to Bangkok therefore opens up a space for the Asian region, which accounts for more than half of the world's population, to serve as a centre for driving equality at the international level.

A key highlight of the event was the launch of 100+ Voices, which gathered over 100 voices of support from representatives across diverse sectors, including the public sector, business, media, artists, youth, healthcare professionals, tourism, the elderly and people with disabilities. The list of national figures expressing their commitment included Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister; Supaluck Umpujh, Chairwoman of the Executive Committee of The Mall Group; Abhisit Vejjajiva, former Prime Minister; Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, Leader of the People's Party; Thanaporn Tantiyanon, Managing Director of the ONESIAM Shopping Centre Business Group; Saranya Charoensiri, Senior Director of MBK Public Company Limited; Chanida Klyphun from TikTok; and Anucha Boonyawatana, former President of the Thai Film Director Association. In addition, there were representatives from the Service Workers IN Group Foundation (SWING), Tangerine Clinic, the Thai Blind Youth Club, the Children and Youth Council of Thailand, and the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand, along with a special performance by artist JR Bubbulgum, recipient of the Bangkok Pride Award Pride Popular of Singer 2026.

The 5 R Strategy Driving Bangkok Towards the Global Event

Laying the foundation to lead Bangkok towards hosting WorldPride 2030 is driven under the 5 R strategic principles, which connect history with global goals. This strategy covers social, legal, public health and sustainable development dimensions as follows:

• ROOTS: Continuing a 32-year legacy of advocacy since the first event was held in 1998 to honour the pioneers and demonstrate the strength of the human rights movement.
• REACH: Making history by hosting the first WorldPride in Asia, using Bangkok as a gateway to connect solidarity among gender-diverse people across borders.
• RIGHTS: Celebrating the 5th anniversary of the Marriage Equality Act in 2030 to reflect standards of protection for diverse families in Southeast Asia.
• RESILIENCE: Supporting the UNAIDS goal to end AIDS by 2030 alongside eliminating stigma and building universal healthcare equality.
• RESPONSIBILITY: Aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) Goal 5 and Goal 10 on gender equality and reduced inequalities.

WorldPride 2030 Host Bid Launch Information

This movement to bid for the right to host WorldPride 2030 is significant for event organisers and tourism operators preparing to accommodate international festivals. Hotel and hospitality professionals in Bangkok, as well as across the 58-city network nationwide, can adapt the safe space guidelines to develop their services and attract travellers from around the world. At the same time, tourists and the general public will benefit from sustainable urban development that is open and welcoming to all.