Widely known as The Land of Smiles, Thailand is a crucial player within Asia’s LGBTQ+ movement. It is said to be one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly places in the world, let alone Asia.

The community is thriving and it has done for a significant length of time. In fact, homosexual activity in Thailand was legalised in 1956. Now, to put that in perspective, this was only legalised in 2003 in the USA.

Sanuk, Sabai

Much of Thailand’s attitude of acceptance stems from their deeply-rooted religious beliefs. Around 95% of the population identify as Theravada Buddhists – a religion built upon strong underlying foundations of tolerance. 

There are various core principles embedded in Thai society that underpin these attitudes. One of which is ‘Sanuk Sabai’, which can roughly be translated to ‘slow, relaxed, and happy’. In other words, live a happy life, and do not interfere with another’s right to a happy life.

Another principle is ‘mai pen rai’, roughly translating to ‘never mind’ and ‘let it go’. This is a gentle nod towards acceptance of life, and all of its challenges and attributes that cannot be changed.

Booming LGBTQ+ Community

Thailand features one of Asia’s largest trans communities, to the point you will find yourself coming into contact with openly trans people on a daily basis. It is also the world’s top destination for gender reassignment surgery.

Unlike other neighbouring countries, members of the transgender community freely lead ordinary lives and work in a wide variety of industries. This is particularly the case in Bangkok, where the society is so inclusive that it very often welcomes shunned transgenders from other countries. 

Thailand is also home to the worlds largest and oldest international transgender beauty pageant, Miss International Queen. This draws in crowds of thousands every year, with the goal of boosting LGBTQ+/transgender awareness and equality.

For obvious reasons, Thailand is one of the top locations for both the world and Asia’s LGBTQ+ tourists. One particularly popular destination is the Silom district in Bangkok. The streets here are packed full of gay nightclubs and bars, making it Asia’s largest gay entertainment district.

Fostering a Safe Environment

Thai’s society is not only tolerant of the LGBTQ+ community, but in many ways welcoming. For example, in 2021 Bangkok’s top hospital (Bumrungrad) opened a clinic specifically for LGBTQ+ patients. 

This runs true on a corporate level too. Companies have announced maternity leave and family health packages for same-sex couples. In fact, big Thai companies will event grant medical leave for their staff who are undergoing gender reassignment surgery.

While steps are still being made within the political spheres to improve LGBTQ+ tolerance, there are certainly many measures in place already. The Thai constitution itself protects sexual orientation and gender identity, combatting any form of discrimination that comes with it.

To conclude, Thailand is called The Land of Smiles for good reason. It’s hard to be in Thailand without a smile on your face, regardless of race, colour, sexual orientation, or gender. 

The boundaries of Asia’s LGBTQ+ movement are continuously pushed forward by Thailand and it’s incredibly easy-going population. It really sets an example the world-over, it conveys an attitude the whole world could benefit from following.

With all this said, let’s not forget the country itself is stunning! It is safe to say that Thailand really is heaven on earth.