Thailand – gay oasis in Asia
Thailand – one of the most wonderful and enigmatic country at South-East Asia. Until 1932, the country bore a name "Siam". The old name, Siam, is still often used in literature, media, Internet and everyday life as a synonym for Thailand. In addition, Siam is often called the "land of smiles," and this metaphor for the Thais is not accidental - they can smile in 13 ways.
Every year thousands gay tourists visit that paradise. Gay travelling is developed in Thailand thus much so many who have visited here back in the Land of Smiles again and again. Trip in the gay Thailand may turn into the most exciting adventure of your life.
General information
Thailand is often called the Land of Smiles. It is located in South-East Asia, on the peninsulas of Malacca and Indochina. From the east Thailand is surround by the Gulf of Siam of the South China Sea, from the west side – by the Andaman Sea. Thailand borders with Malaysia on the south, Cambodia and Laos on the east, and Myanmar on the west.
Geographically and by other criterias Thailand can be divided into 4 regions: Central, Northeast (Isan), Northern and Southern. Each region has its own characteristics and cultural traditions as well as own dialect.
Moist tropical and subtropical climate dominates in Thailand. Usually there are three seasons:
- rainy season (from May-June to October-November);
- cool season (from October-November to February-March);
- hot season (from February-March to May-June).
But recently the weather got crazy: we can see the rainy season in December.
The population of Kingdom mainly consists of Thais, but in the country also live plenty of Laotians (up to 30% of the population), ethnic Chinese (10% of the population). Also, there are representatives of the Malays, Khmer, Vietnamese, Filipinos. Lot of foreigners including сaucasians live in Bangkok and other tourist areas.
The main religion in Thailand is Buddhism, it confessed to 95% of the population. Other religions are Islam and Christianity.
Country name in Thai language "Prathet Thai" means “Land of the Thais”, which is justified - Thailand has never been anyone's colony. The previous name of the country - Siam is still widely used as a brand name.
Thailand's economy
National currency is Thai Baht. Baht can be exchanged into US dollars, euro and other currencies (most of South East Asian countries, British pound, Australian dollar, Japanese yen, Chinese yuan and etc.) directly at financial organizations inside country. There are a lot of currency exchangers, especially in major tourist centers (Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and others). Also, there are plenty ATM serve the main types of bank cards (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro and others).
Attention! All Thai ATMs for cashing from foreign card surcharge up to 150 Baht.
The basis of the Thai economy is agriculture industry which provides 10% of GDP and employs half of the country population. There is a misconception that tourism is the mainstay of the economy. But it’s not: the tourist industry approximate occupies only the fifth-sixth place for attraction of budget revenues.
State and Society
Thailand's state system is a constitutional monarchy. But the king, according to the Constitution, has no political power. However Thai people are very fond and respect their king and at most critical moments the last decision taken by the king. A Head of the Thai Government is Prime Minister who must be elected after democratic elections. But the present Prime Minister has come after a military coup in 2014.
Basis of Thai society is social estates. Religion, traditions and customs are extremely important in the life of Thai people.
Travelling in Thailand
Choosing Siam as the country to travel you can always rely on excellent and cognitive rest. All opportunities for that are established long ago there. It's not surprising that Thailand in 2018 was visited by 38 million foreign tourists.
For lovers of history and culture we recommend Bangkok, Ayutthaya (an ancient capital of Siam) and the northern cities – Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Sukhothai. For lovers of sea and beaches – Phuket, Koh Samui and Koh Chang, Krabi coast. For "party" people approach the capital, Phuket and Pattaya. For lovers of asian exotics you can choose any destination in the country.
Thailand is very easy for travelling. You can explore country with any kind of transportation. Lot of airlines work here so tourist can take a plane to many thai cities and countries. Recently in Thailand has opened a several low-cost airlines that make trip very affordable. Finally, hundreds of bus routes open up to any place in the country of smiles.
Gay life in Thailand
Perhaps there is no other country like Thailand where LGBT people are full members of society, not only by the Constitution, but also in fact. Each homosexual in Thailand can position themselves openly and thus to feel a full-fledged citizen. Usually gays and lesbians don't conceal their true sexuality from parents, neighbors, co-workers. Boys and girls build up same-sex couples and never tell bullshit tales how they rent an apartment with a friend in order to save money. But it's rare to find outside two happy guys who are going take the hands, hug or kiss each others.
What is the reason for such a peaceful neighborhood LGBT and other people in Thailand? After all, Thailand may not be called so progressive for LGBT rights country like Sweden, the Netherlands or Norway. Based on our observations, we found at least an explanation for that phenomenon.
It‘s a traditional Thai tolerance. The centuries-old tradition of the country, based on Buddhist precepts, has assisted to the fact that Thais relate to others with understanding and acceptance. Differently from other religions, Buddhism teaches people to respect a way of whom the next person is. Such peculiarity of Buddhism has manifested most fully in Thailand. Indeed, the main religion of China or Burma is Buddhism also, however, noone confirms society loyalty to gay-community in these countries.
The society doesn’t put a curse mark on homosexuality. Teenager realizing his sexuality perceives himself as a normal person and accept who he is. In the end, the Thai person naturally comes to that moment when he can say openly to himself and others: "I'm gay!"
Thai gay community features
Everyone who has visited Thailand not just once saw transvestites calmly walking on the streets or the guys who openly show them sexuality. Especially, that usually seen in the large tourist centers (Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket). It seems that things are quite normal here, and gay people feel comfortable and free. But is it really true?
Having lived here completely for a while, we have understood that it's not so easy at all. Difficulties regard to the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Its are absent practically. A level acceptance of homosexual by society is directly opposite to gay basic legal rights. Homosexuality, of course, is not considered as a criminal offence, but gay rights haven’t got a subsequent development. For example, transgenders are not able to change them gender de jure.
Gay travel in Thailand
Land of Smiles has been the premier gay destination in Southeast Asia for many years. It offers you a huge selection of hotels, guesthouses and resorts to choose from. Great restaurants, cafes, hotels, saunas, spas and shopping await you, and nothing is better than a relaxing Thai massage after a day of touring the many exotic temples and shopping centers.
Queer culture in the Land of Smiles is developed in several cities, which are main tourist centers at the same time. Certainly, the main gay center Thailand is capital city, Bangkok. In Bangkok, there are several gay areas where gay night clubs, massage salons, restaurants, pubs and go-go bars are focused. The world-famous gay sauna Babylon and nightclub DJ Station located at Bangkok's Silom gay area.
Less stormy blue life rages in Pattaya city which is in two hours drive from Bangkok. Many years Pattaya occupies the first place in a rating "The best sex resort destination in the world". Probably, Pattaya should be proclaimed as the best gay resort destination as well? Time will show.
Entire gay areas were formed In Pattaya where about a hundred spots are concentrated.And Pattaya has a gay beach, where is possible not only to sunbathe but also to find ton of interesting for guys. The world-famous Tiffany-show and Alcazar show are in Pattaya as well.
The second largest city in Thailand is Chiang Mai. It's located on the north of Thailand. People on the Thai North are especially kind and sympathetic. Besides, the city is surrounded by tremendous beautiful mountains. The most romantic date in your life, probably, happens in this city. Chiang Mai is undoubtedly worthy to be included in the gay travel.
In Thailand there are two large islands gay vacation where you can find your personnal paradise. Of course, we are talking about Phukets and Samui. Tourist infrastructure of islands is getting better by years: new first class and gay friendly hotels and entertainment complexes are appeared. There are even a peculiar gay area Patong and an regular gay-pride in Phuket .