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This is the moment the frontrunner to be Thailand’s next prime minister was spotted at a Pride parade.
At least 50,000 LGBTQ+ people, allies and political leaders gathered in the heart of Bangkok’s shopping district, Siam Square, for what is only the second official such parade held in the country.
Pita Limjaroenrat, head of the opposition Move Forward Party, joined marchers on Sunday, waving rainbow flags and dancing.
If voted in, the 42-year-old has vowed to pass a law that would allow same-sex marriage and gender identity rights.
Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat and Pheu Thai’s Paetongtarn Shinawatra take part in the annual LGBTQ+ Pride parade in Bangkok (Picture: Reuters)
Political figures waves rainbow flags in support (Picture: EPA)
His progressive party is pushing to lead a coalition after winning the most seats in the May 14 general election when voters made clear their hope of ending almost 10 years of rule by the military and military-backed governments.
Pride Month 2023
Pride Month is here, with members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies celebrating their identities, accomplishments, and reflecting on the struggle for equality throughout June.
This year, Metro.co.uk is exploring the theme of family, and what it means to the LGBTQ+ community.
Find our daily highlights below, and for our latest LGBTQ+coverage, visit our dedicated Pride page.
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It has also pledged to legalise sex work, a change that Bangkok Pride organisers are advocating for, to ensure greater protections and welfare.
‘Once the government is formed we will support Marriage Equality (Act), Gender Identity (Act) and several others, including welfare,’ the politician told reporters at the parade.
‘These few things will make the celebration of diversity in Pride Month into pride always.’
Mr Limjaroenrat has pledged to pass a law that would allow same-sex marriage and gender identity rights (Picture: AFP)
Thailand has one of Asia’s most open and visible LGBTQ+ communities and same-sex activities have never been criminalised.
But many political activists say laws and traditional institutions have yet to reflect changing social attitudes and still discriminate against LGBTQ+ people and same-sex couples.
Mr Limjaroenrat, who would be the youngest PM in 78 years, was welcomed at the parade where he joined performers at the main stage.
People waved rainbow flags with one holding a placard that said ‘freedom to choose gender’ and another that said ‘love is love’, in rainbow colours.
Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said this year’s Pride parade was more than double the attendance of last year’s event.
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He vowed to pass a law that would allow same-sex marriage and gender identity rights.