Gay & Lesbian in Bangkok

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Gay & Lesbian in Bangkok

Thailand has a fairly large gay scene. There are nightclubs and bars catering to gay singles and couples in all the major cities. However, Thailand's gay culture is mostly centred around the foreigners who live in and visit the country. As a result, the gay scene tends to be restricted to parts of the large cities that see many foreigners.

Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket are well known for their gay-friendly atmosphere and nightlife. In the country, away from the western mix of culture, it can be very different as many people are very conservative. Open displays of affection are considered impolite and disrespectful even between heterosexual couples. 

The gay scene in Thailand's big cities is dominated by foreign gay men and their Thai dates. Due to social pressures, it is still quite uncommon to see two Thai males in an open relationship together. There seems to be less pressure on gay females and it is not unusual to see two Thai women in a discreet but open relationship. 

By far the most colourful characters on the gay scene are Thailand's ladyboys, or katoeys. Although transsexuals are still considered mentally ill by some of the more conservative of Thai society, they are generally widely accepted. Ladyboys are under much less pressure than gay men. Although often commented upon by other Thais, both straight and gay, they are generally accepted as a part of society.

Laws

• There are no laws prohibiting homosexual behaviour between two consenting adults in Thailand
• Although Thailand's age of consent is said to be 15, laws can be interpreted to allow prosecution for sex with an under 18 year old 
• Same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognised in Thailand and it is not allowed for same-sex couples to adopt

Gay Events

Thailand is host to three annual Gay Pride Events:

• Bangkok Pride Festival
• Pattaya Gay Festival
• Phuket Pride Organisation

Lesbian and Gay Associations

• Bangkok Rainbow Association - Gay rights and social group in Bangkok
  Tel: 02 618 5635
  Fax: 09 039 1918
  e-mail
  Website (in Thai)
• Anjaree Lesbian Support Group (Bangkok) - Offers support and organises social events for the lesbian community in Bangkok
  Tel: 08 6677 9009
  e-mail
  Website (in Thai)
• GYENT, Gay Entertainment - Organises social events for the professional gay community in Bangkok
  Website
• Long Yang Club Thailand - Social group offering friendship and support to Thailand's gay community with social events in Bangkok
  Website
• Lesla - Lesbian group with social events in Bangkok
  Website (in Thai)
• Rainbow Sky (Bangkok) - Private, non-profit association for the gay community of Thailand
  Tel: 02 690 7733 4
  Website (Thai only)

National Guides & Networks

• For travel advice and resources for gay and lesbian visitors from Utopia Asia: Click here
• For information on gay and lesbian tourism in Thailand from Tourism Authority of Thailand: Click here
• SPICE! is Thailand's online gay lifestyle magazine. The magazine is distributed free in Bangkok, Pattaya, Jomtien, Chiang Mai, Samui and Phuket

For information on gay and lesbian life in Thailand:

• Gayscape
• Long Yang Club
• Pink Ink
• Dreaded Ned's

For guides to gay and lesbian venues:

• GayGuide
• Sticky Rice
• Dreaded Ned's Directory

Bangkok

For information on gay and lesbian venues in Bangkok:

• One Stop Bangkok
• Bangkok for Singles
• Gay Guide Bangkok

Pattaya

• For information on gay areas in Pattaya from My Pattaya: Click here
• For information on Jomtien's "Gay Beach" and "Gay Village", the Jomtien Gay Guide is put together by a group of gay businessmen based in Jomtien, near Pattaya

Further Information

• Globalgayz.com - for information on gay rights and prejudice in Thailand