Why you want to be in Siam for BKK’s Pride Month
As one of the most LGBT-friendly countries in Asia, Thailand is gearing up for an exhilarating Pride Month 2023 celebration. Following the success of its inaugural parade in 2022, this year’s festivities promises to be action-packed. Bangkok’s captivating theme “Beyond Gender” advocates for tolerance beyond the binary. And there’s no better place to revel in the celebrations than the trendy Siam area.
Siam, the vibrant social and commercial heart of Bangkok, holds an irresistible allure for locals and tops the list of favourite hangout spots. Nestled within this bustling hub are three iconic shopping malls—Siam Discovery, Siam Paragon, and Siam Center—known collectively as ONESIAM, which are joining in the Pride Month festivities.
Just after the electrifying Pride Parade 2023, where PROXIE and BNK48 set the stage ablaze at Discovery Plaza, you’re going to want to make Siam area your hub if you want to experience Bangkok Pride celebration in all its vibrant glory. Here’s why:
1.) It’s the most convenient – and coolest – place to celebrate Pride Month with friends
Hundreds flock Siam for Bangkok’s Pride Parade 2023.
Image credit: Siam Center
Siam’s magnetic pull lies in its unrivalled convenience and cool ambiance. As the only central interchange station for the BTS, it serves as a hub that connects you to every corner of Bangkok. All roads seemingly lead to Siam. Here you’ll find three of the most acclaimed malls – Siam Center, Siam Discovery, and Siam Paragon.
Image credit: Siam Center
Whether you’re exploring the city or meeting up with friends, Siam’s strategic location in downtown Bangkok makes it a breeze. Plus, you can escape the sweltering heat with readily available air-conditioning and you can indulge in a wide range of culinary delights at any of the ONESIAM malls.
Pride spills over the streets of Siam.
To add to the excitement, Siam Center and the UNDP (United Nations Development Program) are partnering up once again to bring you their “The World of Freedom and Pride 2023” campaign, offering a plethora of Pride-themed activities and events around Siam. Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or stand as an ally looking to support and learn more, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
2.) Pride activities in store for you in Siam Center
Beauty bar set up at Siam Center during Bangkok Pride Parade 2023.
Throughout the month of June, the ONESIAM shopping malls—Siam Discovery, Siam Paragon, and Siam Center—will host a diverse array of Pride activities.
Gain insight into the local LGBTQ+ perspective at Siam Center’s “Pride Talk” exhibition in Atrium 2 on 10-11 June, where compelling stories from the Thai LGBTQ+ community take centre stage.
For those seeking a creative outlet, Siam Center offers a free DIY t-shirt workshop where you can design your very own Pride-themed shirts using screens, patches, and pins featuring adorable characters by local artist MRKREME. Just spend at least ฿3,000 at any of the Siam Center shops and you’ll qualify for the free workshop and unleash your imagination.
Wear your best self and strike a pose.
Once you’ve adorned your new creation, strike a pose for stunning photos in Siam Center’s TikTok Safe Space amidst captivating art installations. Upload them on your socials with the hashtags #ONESIAM #SIAMCENTER #BANGKOKPRIDE to check out other people’s photos and DIY t-shirts.
3.) Siam Center’s transformed wonderland: MRKREME’s Pride-themed decorations
Prepare to elevate your Instagram feed as Siam Center undergoes a magical Pride Month makeover, courtesy of local artist MRKREME.
With their adorable monster characters, MRKREME turns Siam Center into a rainbow-coloured wonderland inspired by Monsters, Inc. Follow the rainbow throughout the mall and embark on a mesmerising tour celebrating diversity and the gender non-binary.
Be sure not to miss this enchanting experience, as these characters be gone by the end of the month.
4.) Weekends brimming with free live music
The musical extravaganza held at Discovery Plaza during the Pride Parade 2023 was just the tip of the iceberg. Siam Center has in store an entire month of June weekends filled with free live musical performances by some of Thailand’s most promising musicians.
Every weekend, you can head over to the aptly-named Pride Weekend Space and let your ears soak in a symphony of sounds, from rock to hip-hop and pop.
Discovery Plaza held musical performances during Bangkok’s Pride Parade 2023.
Keep an eye out for Yes Indeed, an up-and-coming high school band renowned for their street music and busking. They captured the hearts of Thais nationwide when their talent went viral on social media.
Get ready for an unforgettable experience, with performances by various artists including The Whitest Crow, Lemony, Vitamin D From The Sun, and many more.
5.) Inspiring Pride-themed art exhibitions
Indulge your senses and broaden your perspective through Pride-themed art exhibitions hosted by Siam Center throughout June. Whether you’re looking to learn more about local LGBTQ+ life, looking to get inspired, or looking to just appreciate good art, these installations are sure to captivate and get you thinking.
Marvel at these inspiring works of leading Thai artists, each piece carrying a unique message of Pride.
6.) Unmissable deals in Siam with the ONESIAM Tourist Card
If you’re visiting Thailand or have friends joining in the Pride Month 2023 celebration, you can’t go wrong with the ONESIAM Tourist Card.
Maximise your shopping experience and bring a piece of Bangkok home for yourself or your loved ones. The card grants you access to up to 30% discounts and up to 6% downtown VAT refunds at participating stores. Moreover, spending over ฿20,000 at any of the ONESIAM shopping malls will earn you an ฿800 Siam Gift Card.
Local brand Kloset with their Pride-themed items.
Don’t forget to explore Siam Center’s Pride Collection, where leading brands and participating stores will offer exclusive promotions throughout June. Check out exclusive Pride-themed collections of international brands including PUMA and Adidas. Or try on homegrown brands such as Kloset and Leisure Project supporting the freedom to love with items such as the Pride Manifesto tote bag.
Whether you’re a tourist or a local, these shops showcase irresistible deals in celebration of Pride Month, so you can shop to your heart’s content. You can check out a full list of the participating stores here.
7.) Supporting local Pride charities
Enjoy your time at Siam Center knowing you’ll be supporting charitable causes.
By participating in the DIY t-shirts workshops and purchasing Pride-themed t-shirts and pins, you will not only have stylish and meaningful keepsakes, but you’ll also be supporting local charities. These organisations aim to uplift the Thai LGBTQ+ community and assist those in need, ensuring that your experience carries a deeper sense of purpose.
Make Siam your hub for Pride 2023
Pride celebration during Bangkok Pride Parade 2023.
Image credit: Siam Center
Siam, the favoured hub for locals and home to the iconic ONESIAM malls, beckons you to claim it as your own during Pride Month 2023. Embrace the abundance of fun, art, music, and shopping, all while supporting the local LGBTQ+ community.
Let’s infuse this month with the vibrant colours of the rainbow and unite in the heart of the action here in Siam. As Bangkok sets its sights on hosting the forthcoming World Pride 2028, let’s make BKK Pride Month 2023 an unforgettable celebration!
Siam Center
Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM, Daily
Address: 979 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330
Contact: +66 2 658 1000 | Siam Center’s website | Google Maps
Learn more about Siam Center
Register for your tourist rewards card here
Cover image adapted from: Krith Srimudkul
Watermarked photos by Krith Srimudkul.