Island, Thailand
Is Phuket LGBTQ+ friendly?
Is Phuket LGBTQ+ friendly?
Relaxed and welcoming, with Patong's long-running gay bar scene and visible trans performers; quieter areas are friendly but 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 Phuket
Where to go
- Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee Road, Patong
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 Phuket safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?
Relaxed and welcoming, with Patong's long-running gay bar scene and visible trans performers; quieter areas are friendly but low-key.
Is same-sex marriage legal in Thailand?
Yes.
Where are the LGBTQ+ areas in Phuket?
Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee Road, Patong
More about Phuket
Going to Phuket solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Phuket meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- ILGA World: legal frameworks
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card (Immigration Bureau)
- Thailand e-Visa (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- Phuket Smart Bus
- Phuket International Airport (Airports of Thailand)
- Bolt Phuket
- Bangkok Hospital Phuket
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.