Is Patong LGBTQ+ friendly?
Long-running gay and trans scene, with shows and clubs on Paradise Complex and Bangla Road; tolerant, though outside the bars life is more low-key.
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 |
The scene in Patong
Where to go
- Paradise Complex, Soi Sea Dragon
- Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee Road
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 Patong safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?
Long-running gay and trans scene, with shows and clubs on Paradise Complex and Bangla Road; tolerant, though outside the bars life is more low-key.
Is same-sex marriage legal in Thailand?
Yes.
Where are the LGBTQ+ areas in Patong?
Paradise Complex, Soi Sea Dragon; Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee Road
More about Patong
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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
- Bangkok Hospital Phuket
- Siriroj International Hospital
- Airports of Thailand
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 Spotted something out of date?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.