"Gay and Lesbian Welcome" Thailand Attracting 258 Trillion Won

Great Potential of Tourism Industry Targeting Sexual Minorities
Annual Spending 258 Trillion Won... Increasing Every Year
Thailand Supports Events at Government Level

Thailand, a 'tourism powerhouse,' is making efforts to attract LGBTQ+ tourists from around the world.

According to Japan's Nihon Keizai Shimbun on the 12th, the Tourism Authority of Thailand is actively supporting LGBTQ+ events held nationwide in June, which is recognized as 'Pride Month.' On the 4th, 50,000 people participated in the 'Bangkok Pride Parade,' and related festivals are scheduled this month in major cities such as Phuket, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is providing financial support and external promotion for these events.

Thailand is the most LGBTQ+ friendly country in Asia. However, this is the first time the government has publicly supported LGBTQ+ events in such a manner. This has led to analyses that the government sees great growth potential in the LGBTQ+ tourism industry.

Annual Spending of LGBTQ+ Tourists Reaches 258 Trillion Won

Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP) and a leading candidate for Thailand's next prime minister (third from the left in the front row), and Paetongtarn Chinnawath, the prime ministerial candidate of the Pheu Thai Party (fourth from the left in the front row), are attending the LGBTQ+ festival "Bangkok Pride 2023" held in Bangkok on the 4th. At this event, Pita promised to legalize same-sex marriage if he becomes prime minister. [Image source=Yonhap News]

In fact, LGBTQ+ individuals are known as major spenders in the travel industry. 'Out Now Consulting,' a marketing agency headquartered in the Netherlands, estimates that the annual spending of LGBTQ+ tourists amounts to approximately 200 billion USD (about 258 trillion won). While non-LGBTQ+ tourists' spending increases by 3.8% annually, LGBTQ+ tourists' spending grows by 8% per year.

Thailand relies heavily on tourism, with tourism accounting for about 20% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, the overall Thai economy, including tourism, has been in recession due to the COVID-19 pandemic over the past few years. Analysts interpret that the Thai government's plan is to actively attract LGBTQ+ tourists from around the world to revitalize the economy.

In particular, LGBTQ+ tourists visiting Thailand are known to spend generously not only on tourism but also in other industries. The medical and beauty sectors are representative examples. In 2021, Bangkok Bumrungrad International Hospital, one of Thailand's largest hospitals, opened the 'Pride Clinic,' which provides integrated medical and wellness (physical, mental, and social health) services to LGBTQ+ tourists. It is reported that customers from China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and other countries also frequent this clinic.

Naphas Paorohitiyah, Chief Marketing Officer of Bumrungrad Hospital, stated, "The Asia region, with its strong purchasing power, is the top strategic market." It is interpreted that those who cannot safely access their 'right to treatment' due to social stigma and discrimination in their home countries seek medical services such as hormone therapy in Thailand. The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery estimates that the value of the gender-affirming treatment industry in Thailand reaches 36 billion baht annually (about 1.3 trillion won).

A representative from the Tourism Authority of Thailand told the media, "The government recognizes the importance of the LGBTQ+ community" and added, "We will continue research to meet their demands."

Seoul City Denies Use of Seoul Plaza for Queer Festival

The scene of the Seoul Queer Parade held in 2019. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, Seoul City has denied the Seoul Queer Culture Festival Organizing Committee's application to use Seoul Plaza. Since 2015, except during the COVID-19 period, the Queer Culture Festival has been held at Seoul Plaza every year. However, Seoul City approved the 'Youth Recovery Concert' organized by the Christian group CTS Cultural Foundation, which takes place during the same period. According to the 'Ordinance on the Use and Management of Seoul Plaza,' events for children and youth have priority in the review and approval process by the Citizens' Committee.

Due to Seoul City's decision, this year's Queer Culture Festival will be held around the Euljiro area. The organizing committee stated, "We will resist Seoul City's discriminatory administration and cultivate both resistance and culture together."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.