MBK LGBTQIA+ Friendly Shopping Destination Shows Off Their Pride
Known as the Land of Smiles, Thailand has always been the preferred country for globetrotters across the world. Every trip feels like the first time for creating their never-ending stories in Thailand thanks to the abundance of Thai charms from its rich cultural heritage, breath-taking beach sceneries, vibrant cities and heavenly local cuisine.
Most importantly, the country’s openness to welcome all people despite skin colors, religions or gender identities is the main key reason that captures tourists’ hearts for generations.
Thai the Knot for Equal Marriage
As the equality of in global society has been enhanced which allows people to be more comfortable in their own skin and decide to make more journey outside their comfort zone, LGBTQIAN+ community is among the potential segments that help contributed to the economy.
According to data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) in 2024, LGBTQIAN+ tourism market approximately generates over $200 billion annually.
By this, Thailand continues to introduce policies to meet the needs of this community such as using a tourism campaign under ‘Go Thai. Be Free’ to encourage them to travel to the country with pride, while feeling safe and accepted by Thais.
In terms of works to improve LGBTQIAN+ rights in Thailand, the country becomes the first country in Southeast Asia and the third country in Asia after Taiwan and Nepal to legalize same-sex marriage as a result of hard works for many years from the government, private sector and social movement groups.
The historic milestone for marriage equality published in the Royal Gazette on 27 September 2024 which will be officially effective for queer couples who are 18 years old or older to register their marriages and receive the equal legal rights as heterosexual couples by 22 January 2025.
Thailand’s breakthrough for gender inclusivity not only benefit LGBTQIAN+ but also overall society. The big win for people will help bring the country’s positive and progressive perception at the global scale, leading to more foreign investments or new business opportunities, especially in tourism and real estate because both Thais and international travellers want to find safe space where they can live their lives to the fullest without discrimination.
Shop with Pride at MBK Center
Private sector including MBK Center as a LGBTQIAN+ friendly shopping destination for everyone with every gender expression continues to promote diversity in tandem with the country.
For years, many efforts have been made to ensure that people in the queer community are all welcome, particularly during the past pride month in 2024. MBK Center was part of the Bangkok Pride Festival 2024, the capital’s biggest pride event with an estimated number of over 200,000 attendees, by joining the parade and decorating the whole shopping mall under the theme MBK Center Blooming Pride, offering photo check-in areas to celebrate love.
Throughout the month of pride, MBK Center along with partners created space for queer to express their vibrant colors and their talents namely Drag Blooming Concert & Fashion Show on 8 June 2024, Miss & Mister Queen Model Thailand 2024 Live In Bangkok Season 1 on 15 June 2024, The Diva’s Blooming Pride Dance Celebration 2024 on 16 June 2024 and the 8th Y Book Fair during 22-23 June 2024.
MBK Center also collaborated with Mr. Bear Bangkok to host Bear Brush Art Exhibition during 9-12 June 2024. The exhibition aims to promote arts by artists who label themselves as Bear, a gay term that describe queer men who are either hairy or heavy like bears, in order to create better understanding and raise awareness of their existence as a part of LGBTQIAN+ community.
In addition to participating in pride parades and celebrations, the shopping mall located in the heart of Bangkok always provides a safe and welcoming environment with warm hospitality for all customers whether couples, friends, families as well as community like LGBTQIAN+.
There are a variety of zones and shops with products and services that meet various needs range from clothing, Thai souvenirs, gold and jewelry, mobile and IT, supermarket, dining at popular restaurants, entertainment or even service zone which gather one-stop services for banking, postal, passport and luggage storage.
Shopping here at MBK Center is beyond a must for your shopping list. It’s the place where you can eat, play and slay with pride all year round.
Sources:
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https://www.tatnews.org/2024/05/pride-2024-events-in-thailand/
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https://thailand.prd.go.th/en/content/category/detail/id/52/iid/327229
