Island in Rayong, Thailand
Is Koh Samet LGBTQ+ friendly?
4/5Welcoming
Is Koh Samet LGBTQ+ friendly?
Relaxed, and popular with LGBTQ visitors on weekends from Bangkok; the scene is informal rather than organised.
LGBTQ+ laws in Thailand
Asia's most open country: big gay scenes in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket and highly visible trans people; family and rural attitudes are more conservative.
| Status | |
|---|---|
| Same-sex relationships legal | Yes |
| Same-sex marriage | Yes |
| Civil unions or partnerships | Yes |
| Legal gender change | No |
| Anti-discrimination law | Partial |
LGBTQ+ friendliness across Thailand
| Place | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bangkok | 5/5 · Very welcoming |
| Phuket | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Chiang Mai | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Koh Samui | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Krabi | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Koh Phi Phi | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Koh Phangan | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Pai | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Pattaya | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Koh Tao | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Patong | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Hua Hin | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Chiang Rai | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Ayutthaya | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Koh Lanta | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Railay | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Kanchanaburi | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Koh Chang | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Khao Lak | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Koh Samet | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Koh Lipe | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Khao Yai | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Khao Sok | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Sukhothai | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Kata Beach | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Jomtien | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Rawai | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Udon Thani | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Koh Kood | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Hat Yai | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
Quick answers
Is Koh Samet safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?
Relaxed, and popular with LGBTQ visitors on weekends from Bangkok; the scene is informal rather than organised.
Is same-sex marriage legal in Thailand?
Yes.
More about Koh Samet
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Sources
- ILGA World: legal frameworks
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card (Immigration Bureau)
- Thailand e-Visa (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- Tourism Authority of Thailand: Rayong
- Thai National Parks (Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet)
- Bangkok Hospital Rayong
Ratings combine national law with local attitudes and the scene. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.