On May 25, 2025, Chiang Mai marked a new chapter in Thailand’s history by becoming the first province to officially launch Pride Month through the vibrant celebration of Chiangmai Pride 2025. Set against the historic backdrop of Tha Phae Gate, the event was more than just a gathering—it became a powerful symbol of hope, resilience, and social transformation. Chiang Mai Pride was not merely a parade or a cultural showcase of the LGBTQ+ community. It was a platform for voices long silenced, a unifying force for people of all gender identities and expressions, and a dignified call for equality. This landmark event was made possible through the collective efforts of government bodies, civil society, and the private sector, working together to turn the vision of inclusivity into reality.
Chiangmai Pride 2025: A Historic Beginning as Thailand’s First Official Pride Month City
In 2025, Chiang Mai made history by becoming the first province in Thailand to officially host a Pride Month celebration. Under the banner of Chiang Mai Pride 2025, the event was held in grand fashion at the multi-purpose plaza near Tha Phae Gate, drawing an overwhelming number of attendees—from local residents and LGBTQ+ communities to travelers from around the globe. Together, they came to celebrate identity, courage, and the dignity of being human.
This landmark event marked the beginning of a new era of recognition, acceptance, and empowerment for LGBTQ+ individuals in both provincial and national contexts. It was made possible through the collaboration of local government agencies, human rights organizations, private sector partners, and LGBTQ+ networks across Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai Governor Nirat Phongsittithaworn delegated Deputy Governor Weerapong Ritrod to preside over the opening ceremony. In his speech, he emphasized that Chiang Mai Pride 2025 is not merely a celebration or entertainment event, but a powerful expression of voices that have long been marginalized—a stand against discrimination, misunderstanding, and the violation of fundamental rights.
“Chiang Mai Pride 2025 is not just a festive parade,” said Deputy Governor Weerapong. “It is a force of hope and change. Let us all take pride in who we are and move forward with unwavering hearts.”
He also highlighted Chiang Mai’s long-standing identity as a city of art, culture, and acceptance. This Pride event, he added, does not only reflect the identity of LGBTQ+ communities, but also provides a platform for voices that have been ignored for far too long—now amplified for society to hear.
A City of Art that Embraces Diversity
Chiang Mai has long been recognized as a city rich in cultural diversity and renowned for its warm welcome to people of all genders, ages, and ethnic backgrounds. Chiang Mai Pride 2025 aligns seamlessly with the city’s identity—celebrating inclusion not only through tourism but also by empowering local artists and curating events that honor and respect cultural differences. The celebration reflects Chiang Mai’s deep-rooted values of openness, creativity, and community.
Chiangmai Pride 2025: Program Highlights
Chiang Mai Pride 2025 took place from May 23–27, 2025, with a wide range of events and activities aimed at celebrating diversity, promoting inclusion, and amplifying LGBTQ+ voices in the region. Below is the program for May 23, showcasing a full day of meaningful discussions, cultural showcases, and creative expressions.
📍 Venue: Pantip Lifestyle Hub Chiang Mai
🗓️ Date: May 23, 2025
| Activity | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Ceremony of Chiang Mai Pride 2025 Launch of the Elderly Pride Ambassador 2025 Contest |
13:00 – 13:30 | Pantip Lifestyle Hub |
| Panel Discussion: LGBTQ+ Diversity in Chiang Mai Province Speakers: Ton (Public Health Office), Mplus, Fasiirung, Caremat, Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai |
13:30 – 14:00 | Pantip Lifestyle Hub |
| Cultural Performance by Senior Citizens Club | 14:30 – 15:00 | Pantip Lifestyle Hub |
| Panel Discussion: Crisis or Opportunity? LGBTQ+ in Thai Society Speakers: Employment Office, Empower Foundation, Barista Workers Union, Social Security Office, Women Workers’ Group |
15:00 – 15:30 | Pantip Lifestyle Hub |
| Announcement of Art Contest WinnersTheme: Beyond Celebration – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion |
15:35 – 15:45 | Pantip Lifestyle Hub |
| Elderly Pride Ambassador 2025 Winner Announcement | 15:45 – 15:55 | Pantip Lifestyle Hub |
| Opening Performance for the Press | 17:00 | Pantip Lifestyle Hub |
| Gangubai Dance Performance by AWC Team and Chiang Mai Pride Committee | 18:00 | Pantip Lifestyle Hub |
| Educational Booths by Empower Foundation and Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai | 10:00 – 18:00 | Pantip Lifestyle Hub |
| Information & Giveaway Booths by Fasiirung and Mplus | 10:00 – 18:00 | Pantip Lifestyle Hub |
📍 Venue: Tha Phae Gate & Parade Route
🗓️ Date: May 25, 2025
| Activity | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Parade Registration & Pride Ambassador Contestant Check-in Empowerment Music & Flashmob Dance Performance |
15:00 | Tha Phae Gate Plaza, Chiang Mai |
| Pride Parade (Parade Route: Buddhist Site → Night Bazaar → Tha Phae Gate) |
18:00 – 20:00 | Parade Route across central Chiang Mai |
| Official Opening Ceremony “Voices of Equality” Stage with Public SpeechesMarriage Equality Celebration Chiang Mai Pride Ambassador 2025 ContestLive Music Performances & Light Show |
20:00 – 24:00 | Tha Phae Gate Plaza, Chiang Mai |
📍 Venue: Pantip Lifestyle Hub, Chiang Mai
🗓️ Date: May 27, 2025
| Activity | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Photo Exhibition Featuring images from the Chiang Mai Pride Runway contest | 13:00 – 13:30 | Pantip Lifestyle Hub |
| Panel Discussion: Gender Talk Exploring the inspiration behind the artwork and perspectives on gender equality | 13:30 – 14:30 | Pantip Lifestyle Hub |
🖼️ The photo exhibition is open to the public with free entry throughout the month of June 2025.
Chiangmai Pride 2025: More Than a Celebration — A Stand for Equality
For many participants, Chiang Mai Pride 2025 was more than a celebration—it was a safe space to stand proudly in their identities and a platform to demand rights that are still lacking in Thai society. Despite progress in human rights, many challenges remain. A representative from a transgender activist group stated:
“Even though we now have a large Pride event, in our daily lives, transgender people still cannot change their titles legally, and we continue to face discrimination in employment and public services. A Gender Recognition Act is still urgently needed in Thailand, and society must start listening.”
Looking Global: Chiangmai Pride’s Vision for the Future
One of the key ambitions of this year’s event is to elevate Chiang Mai Pride to the global stage, positioning the city as a leading LGBTQ+ destination in Asia. Organizers have expressed hopes of expanding into a full Chiang Mai International Pride Week, drawing visitors from around the world and blending tourism with cultural and economic development in a sustainable way.
“We envision Chiang Mai Pride becoming an annual highlight that LGBTQ+ travelers from around the globe plan their trips around,” said one of the event coordinators. “It’s not just about celebration—it’s about lasting impact.” To achieve this vision, the organizers are actively forming partnerships with Pride movements in cities such as San Francisco, Tokyo, Seoul, and Amsterdam to exchange ideas, campaign strategies, and inclusive urban development models.
Voices from Chiangmai Pride 2025: Empowerment Through Visibility
Participants from both within Thailand and abroad shared that the event not only brought joy, but also renewed their sense of courage and community. For many LGBTQ+ youth, the workshops and activities provided fresh perspectives on their rights and place in society—making the experience both empowering and transformative.
Related Articles
- Pride Events You Can’t Miss! – We All Pride Thailand 2025
- IDAHOBIT 2025 – The Power of LGBTQ+ Communities in Thailand
The True Beginning of Change
Chiang Mai Pride 2025 did not end with a night of lights and music—it opened the door to long-term dialogue and real social transformation. The event stands as compelling evidence that Thailand, especially Chiang Mai, is moving toward becoming a society that genuinely embraces sexual and gender diversity.
Every step in the parade, every voice on the stage, and every collaboration formed during the event echoed the enduring power of human dignity—a value that should never be diminished by prejudice. More than a moment of celebration, this Pride has become a source of inspiration for other cities across the country, laying the groundwork for future Pride events nationwide.
“Be proud of who you are, and keep moving forward with a steadfast heart.”
— A message that didn’t just end on stage, but continues to resonate deeply with everyone who took part.
Reference:
คณะทีมงานผู้จัดเชียงใหม่ไพรด์
- www.facebook.com/cnxpride
สำนักงานประชาสัมพันธ์จังหวัดเชียงใหม่
- www.facebook.com/share/p/1AWGXAwdzo
เชียงใหม่เปิดฉาก Pride Month 2025 อย่างยิ่งใหญ่ ขบวนพาเหรด 25 ขบวน ฉลองความรัก ความเท่าเทียม และศักดิ์ศรีความเป็นมนุษย์
- https://thestandard.co/chiang-mai-pride-month-2025