4/5Welcoming
Is Railay LGBTQ+ friendly?
Relaxed and welcoming; mixed tourist crowd, with no dedicated gay venues.
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 Railay safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?
Relaxed and welcoming; mixed tourist crowd, with no dedicated gay venues.
Is same-sex marriage legal in Thailand?
Yes.
More about Railay
Going to Railay solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Railay 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)
- Tourism Authority of Thailand
- 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 Spotted something out of date?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.