4/5Welcoming
Is Rawai LGBTQ+ friendly?
Relaxed and welcoming; there is no scene in Rawai itself, with Patong about 30 minutes away for bars.
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 Rawai safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?
Relaxed and welcoming; there is no scene in Rawai itself, with Patong about 30 minutes away for bars.
Is same-sex marriage legal in Thailand?
Yes.
More about Rawai
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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)
- 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 Spotted something out of date?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.