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GAY THAILAND
Thailand has always been gay-friendly, although the approach to sexual minorities is very different from Western countries
Thai culture has a tradition of public conformity and private tolerance. That means that away from a few well-known gay areas open displays of affection (between the opposite sex as much as same-sex couples) are frowned upon, while gay men and katoeys (ladyboys) are almost always accepted by their family and friends.
The desire to conform also means that demands for "gay equality", are seen by many people as un-Thai. There is often greater sympathy for katoeys, who are seen as a distinctly Thai phenomenon.
Given traditional attitudes towards homosexuality,
the Thai tourist industry is reluctant to pursue the gay market as aggressively as many governments and tourist authorities in North America and Europe.
However, there is growing awareness of the contribution gay men can make to tourism in Thailand; the province of Phuket actively promotes a number of gay events, the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority quietly gives its support to the annual Pride Festival and many hotels and other service providers are very happy to welcome gay clients
In a sign of the gradually changing times, in October 2006 the Tourism Authority of Thailand published a long article on its website on gay tourism. To read the article click here.
ONLINE
Not surprisingly, there dozens of gay websites in Thai. ThailandOut.com is the best portal for those who have mastered the 80+ symbols of the Thai alphabet; have look and see what turns Thai men on.
There are quite a few in English, too. One of the newest, but rapidly becoming one of the most popular, is thailandscene.com. Kinnara is proud to be their official travel partner.
PARTY, PARTY
Several cities in Thailand have a vibrant and exotic nightlife seven days a week. These include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket and Samui. In other towns gay men have a lower profile and are more likely to be found in local bars and clubs.
See dreaded ned's and other websites for more information and check free magazines Spice and Thai Puan for locations and events. |
not quite an everyday scene:
revelers during 2006 Bangkok Pride
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Chiang Mai
Pai
Phuket
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