Pride & Joy -
What Now For Bangkok Pride?
Bangkok Pride, under various different guises, has had a chequered history since its inception 9 years ago.
Despite a great deal of hard work by a few dedicated people, Pride has never regained the heights it reached a few years ago.
Last year, the festival was a mere shadow of its former self, and this year it is not happening at all. A sad state of affairs bought about partly by problems dealing with the local multi-layered bureaucracy, and partly by the fractured nature of the gay business scene in the city.
For 2009, hopes are picking up that a decent festival might take place. Tentative dates have been set for 28 March through to 5 April, and a series or meetings will take place this month aimed at pulling all interested parties together. For the first time since the Bangkok Gay Festival days, the organisers are Thai, rather than ex-pats, and are spearheaded by Thailand’s only officially recognised gay group, Fa Si Roong (Rainbow Sky).
Despite their leadership, there is no knowing if the festival will take place, as i it all comes down to professional planning and a lot effort to bring it off.
Meetings to discuss the events, seek partnerships and form a committee will be held over the next few weeks.
23 July Wednesday; Target group: Community 2 PM, RSAT office (8th floor of Beach Residence, Rachadapisek Road, Bangkok) - Confirmed
25 July Friday; Target group: NGO (Thai) 2 PM. RSAT office (8th floor of Beach Residence) - Confirmed
14 August Thursday (tentative); Target group All (wider community including corporate sponsors and media) Time & located To be determined.
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