The UK and US embassies in Thailand co-hosted an annual pride event, to support LGBTQ+ rights and celebrate efforts on inclusion in Thai society. On the theme ‘’United in Love’’, supporters long for equality, including legalisation of same-sex marriage.

As a same-sex marriage bill is yet to pass through parliament, LGBTQ+ defenders are demanding that the legalisation process be sped up, to protect the LGBTQ+ community. UK Ambassador to Thailand, Mark Gooding, spoke about UK values and his personal experience, to encourage the development of LGBTQ+ rights. ‘’As an LGBTQ+ ambassador in Bangkok, I got Civil Partnership in 2005. 10 years later, my partner and I changed the status to marriage, when the UK’s Equal Marriage Act was passed. This is important for symbolic reasons, including being treated equally in society.’’

US Ambassador to Thailand, Robert Godec, also shared US values when it comes to developing equality for the LGBTQ+ community in Thailand. ‘’Every nation is taking its journey to equality. In the United States, we have made progress in past years, but we also faced big challenges in the past. There are still certain areas where progresses are needed. What is important is that we stand shoulder to shoulder with communities in Thailand.’’

As the new government is expected to be formed in July, Ambassador Gooding stressed that future cooperation with Thailand’s new government on LGBTQ rights is feasible. ‘’We are ready to share experience and ideas with Thailand. We are looking forward to working closely with the new Thai government on all issues related to diversity and inclusion. Issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, equality legislation and discriminations are important.’’

Ambassador Godec shared the same view about pushing LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand. ‘’Decisions will be made by Thai lawmakers in parliament, but we are happy to share our experiences and reasons why full marriage equality is important. We are looking forward to working with next government and lawmakers.’’

In addition to the legalisation of same sex marriage, access to the healthcare system by the LGBTQ+ community is vital. Ambassador Gooding shared how the UK’s policies safeguard equal rights to the healthcare system for LGBTQ+ individuals. ‘’Healthcare is a big priority for the LGBTQ+ community around the world. The community has suffered from discrimination and bullying, and they would have mental health problems. In the UK, we monitor patient population to predict the outcomes and provide additional support for the LGBTQ+ community.’’

With advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, UK and US Ambassadors offered positive messages for human rights defenders and supporters in Thailand. Ambassador Gooding added that every person has the right to marry the person they love, no matter what gender they are, and he hopes, one day, that people are able to do that around the world. Ambassador Godec also emphasised that he was privileged to join the Pride Parade in Bangkok in early June, and he will continue to support the LGBTQ+ community and their rights.

By Franc Han Shih, Thai PBS World