Hey Bangkok peeps, happy Pride Month!

In order to mark the beginning of Pride Month, there was a massive Pride Ceremony led by none other than our beloved Thai actress and icon, Lukkade Metinee Kingpayom. The event included a special show under the concept of “Fly High in the Sky for Pride,” as well as a dazzling fashion parade where over 500 models strutted the runway. Within centralwOrld itself, there was a “This Is My Look” parade that anyone could participate in to nab one of five prizes. The evening wrapped up with a bang, concluding with a Pride Concert that pumped up the crowd thanks to the likes of artists like Grace Kanklao, Gam Wichayanee, and Aof Pongsak.

Photo: centralwOrld

CentralwOrld also hosted their “MADE TO BE PRIDE Single Market” in collaboration with Tinder, and attendees got to enjoy some more live music from famous Thai artists while browsing the market stalls for trinkets and taking part in various lifestyle-related activities. A Pride Talk in association with the United Nations Development Programme also took place and allowed popular LGBTQIAN+ celebrities to openly discuss their journeys so far, as well as the challenges they face and the hopes they have for Thai society going forward.

Photo: centralwOrld

And then there was, of course, the massive Pride Parade that flooded our city streets with music, confetti, and lots (and lots) of color.

But we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the line-up that’s still to come.

Photo: centralwOrld

For instance, did you know that all throughout the months of June and July, there’s a massive Pride-themed art installation located inside centralwOrld? The exhibition is in partnership with renowned Thai artist Prapassorn “Teayii” Kanchanasu and is titled “Seat the Pride.” You might be familiar with Teayii’s general art catalog, which spreads messages of hope and love through uplifting slogans. On International Women’s Day earlier this year, she partnered with King Power Mahanakhon to take part in a talk titled “A Voice that Matters.” In “Seat the Pride,” the various iterations of rainbow flag art reflect (obviously) the colorful Pride flag from which Teayii drew inspiration, and are meant to convey the message that “there is love, pride, and value in the way we are.” The exhibition is completely free to attend for the entire two months.

Photo: centralwOrld

And make sure to mark June 19 on your calendars for the “Miss International Queen 2023: A Creation” pageant. If you haven’t heard of Miss International Queen, it has been the world’s biggest beauty pageant for transgender women since it was first established in 2004. Reigning queen Fuschia Anne Ravena from the Philippines took home the crown last year—but who will win it this year? Head on over to Central Court (1st floor inside centralwOrld) on the 19th to cheer on the contestants and find out. In addition to the traditional beauty pageant strutting, there will also be a national costume competition and what will undoubtedly be an exciting talent show. After all, the “Miss International Queen” title isn’t only the one that’ll be up for grabs; there are also a number of other categories that contestants will compete for, including two runner-up spots, “Best Talent,” “Miss Congeniality,” and “Best National Costume.”

Photo: centralwOrld

If you’re going to be hitting up centralwOrld anyway this month, keep a general eye out for the various special Pride-themed landmarks and promotions across the venue. Snap some pics at the three Insta-worthy decorative spots located on the first floor entrance of Groove, at the taxi parking, and at Craft Studio on the 5th floor. Food-wise, check out Japanese eatery Daisen’s special Pride-themed menu items, such as their rainbow sushi, or cool down with the new “Equality” (toffee and fresh milk) and “Love is Love” (mascarpone lemon curd with beetroot crumbs) ice-creams from Guss Damn Good.

Photo: centralwOrld

For shopping, a slew of brands within centralwOrld have put out special Pride collections, including Nike, Adidas, Sculpture Studio, MOO, Leisure Projects, Roughcut, Painkiller, USEMEREPEAT, Vanity Clubxs, Rally Movement, Mumu, and Nipon. Phone case company CASETiFY’s exclusive Pride collection has also rolled out phone cases that were designed by LGBTQIAN+ artists around the world.

Photo: centralwOrld

You know we love Bangkok, but we’ve never been more thrilled to call home a city where everyone is encouraged to be loudly and proudly their true selves.