Thai LGBT Connect's Pride Month Adventures: Brit Bar & Jao Ping River Cruise This Pride Month, Thai LGBT Connect embarked on an unforgettable journey of celebration, inclusivity, and love. We had the pleasure of experiencing the vibrant festivities at Brit Bar at 1921 House and the enchanting Jao Ping River Cruise.Brit Bar at 1921 HouseThai LGBT Connect kicked off Pride Month with a visit to Brit Bar at 1921 House, where we indulged in their exclusive lineup of special cocktails, available from 1 - 30 June 2024. Each drink was a celebration of flavors and colors, honoring the spirit of inclusivity: Celebrate DiversityWe savored the spectrum of flavors in every sip of this vibrant cocktail, a true reflection of the beautiful tapestry of humanity. We raised our glasses to the myriad of identities that make our world so wonderfully diverse. Equality HumanWe tasted the sweet harmony of equality and understanding with this refreshing blend. Inspired by the belief that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, this cocktail embodied the essence of human rights and acceptance. Beast of PrideWe unleashed our inner strength and pride with this bold and fierce concoction. Channeling the courage and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, this cocktail was a tribute to the untamed spirit that roars for justice and equality.Cheers to love, acceptance, and a world where everyone is free to be their authentic selves.#BritBar #1921House #CelebrateDiversity #PrideMonthJao Ping River CruiseOur journey continued with a magical evening on the Jao Ping River Cruise. Thai LGBT Connect members experienced a voyage through Lanna heritage and culinary delights. We savored an extravagant 4-course feast, where each dish was a masterpiece crafted to ignite the flames of passion and create unforgettable memories. The flickering candlelight and gentle breeze set the mood for an evening filled with love and laughter.For more information:LINE: @anantarachiangmai+66 (0) 53 253 333chiangmai@anantara.com#Anantara #AnantaraChiangMai #JAOPingRiverCruise #UnforgettableJourneys #NamJit #NamJaiJoin Thai LGBT Connect in celebrating these beautiful experiences. Let's raise our glasses to a future filled with equality, acceptance, and love! #ThaiLGBTConnect #EveryoneIsBeautiful #UnforgettableJourneys #CelebrateDiversity #PrideMonth... var cpo = []; cpo["_object"] ="cincopa_08a02b"; cpo["_fid"] = "A0AAcRfimS_u"; var _cpmp = _cpmp || []; _cpmp.push(cpo); (function() { var cp = document.createElement("script"); cp.type = "text/javascript"; cp.async = true; cp.src = "https://rtcdn.cincopa.com/libasync.js"; var c = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; c.parentNode.insertBefore(cp, c); })();

Today is the day! Chiangmai is bursting with color and joy as we kick off the "Colorful Pride Parade"! With the incredible cooperation of Chiangmai Pride, the Tourism Authority of Chiangmai, and many more organizations, we are raising awareness for important issues like equality and same-sex marriage.Join us in celebrating Pride Month throughout Chiangmai, from today until 30 June 2024. Let's come together to celebrate love, diversity, and unity!

The province of Chiang Mai, in collaboration with the Pakhee network and LGBTQ+ diversity groups, is organizing the Chiang Mai Colourful Pride Month 2024 event to kick off the celebration season for Thailand's Pride Month 2024. The event will feature a parade starting from the Buddhist temple, moving through Tha Phae Road to Tha Phae Gate for the opening ceremony and various celebratory activities. These include concerts, Rainbow Dance performances, the Colourful Contest with prizes worth over 15,000 baht, and numerous other Pride-related activities throughout the month. This event reflects the vibrant and diverse nature of Chiang Mai, encompassing diversity in gender, ethnicity, and age. The Pride Parade, which begins before any other in the country, is a highlight. The Chiang Mai Colourful Pride Month 2024 event is scheduled to take place from May 26th to June 30th, 2567 (Buddhist calendar), and it holds special significance as it marks the beginning of Thailand's Pride season to celebrate along with Pride Month worldwide. It aims to promote gender equality and social acceptance in today's society and stimulate tourism, expected to contribute over 7.5 billion baht to the economy. Furthermore, Chiang Mai plans to establish City Branding through the concept of a year-round tourism calendar, "Chiang Mai 12 Months 12 Themes," with the Chiang Mai Pride Festival as the main event in June. This initiative aims to position Chiang Mai as a destination for business and high-quality tourism, offering visitors opportunities to experience various events and festivals throughout the year. (Source: Thai News Agency)

Thailand ranked No.1 Best Countries for a Comfortable Retirement in Asia and No. 19 in the worldThe latest US News & World Report has ranked Thailand as the 28th best country in the world and the 19th best place for retirement.The survey covered 17,000 respondents worldwide from April 30 to July 13, ranking 73 countries across several metrics including adventure, cultural influence, entrepreneurship, heritage, open for business, social purpose and quality of life. Thailand won an overall score of 47.7 and stayed at No 28.Switzerland, meanwhile, rose up to the top of the list from 4th place last year, scoring 100 points.Germany moved up one rank to the second place with a score of 98, while Canada fell from the top spot to No 3 this year with an overall score of 97.8.As for the list of best countries to retire in, Thailand moved up one place from last year to the 19th position, while it holds the top spot in the Asean region.This ranking is based on seven attributes, namely affordability, favourable taxation, friendliness, “a place I would live in”, climate, respect for property rights and a well-developed public health system. Credit: https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022711

Did you know that Thailand is home to 5 stunning Gay Beaches? Check them out here!The top exotic beaches for gay travellers in Pattaya, Ko Samui, and Phuket!Thailand is one of the most famous tourist destinations among Gay and Lesbian travellers and it couldn't but have a wide range of gay hot spots, activities, nightlife options, saunas and of course beaches. Read below where to find some of the best gay beaches in the region. Also, don't miss to check some of the most distinguished gay hotels for your holidays in Thailand.   1. Pattaya Jomtien Gay BeachSouth of Pattaya, is one the most popular Gay beaches in Thailand. The area, apart from being idyllic and a gay hot spot, features a range of restaurants and bars, ideal for after you are done sunbathing.  2. Dongtan Gay BeachAnother popular beach, is Dongtan located at Jomtien too. Both gay local and travelers love this gorgeous location and the area is the busiest around 6pm in the afternoon. Also, easily accessible through public transportation.   3. Chaweng BeachThis 7km long beach is Koh Samui's most developed and popular one. Featuring a wide range of bars, restaurant and water sport facilities, it makes the perfect holiday location for gay sunbathers.  4. Lamai BeachA quieter gay beach of Koh Samui, is Lamai. South of the Island it is a calm white-sanded paradise, also offering restaurant choices and street food options for foodies.    5. Patong BeachIf you found yourself in Phuket looking for a gay beach, head for Patong. In the heart of the west coast of the island, this 3.5 km long beach attracts many local gay guys as well as travelers, creating an ideal environment for socializing under the sunshine. Credit: https://www.travelbyinterest.com/blog/article/56/did-you-know-that-thailand-is-home-to-5-stunning-gay-beaches-check-them-out-here

Tuk Tuk, worldwide recognized as symbolic of Thailand. Experience the authentic Thai. Feel the wind in your hair as you glide through the city on valuable mode of Thai local transport.Tuk-tuk or the official name that motor tricycle Came to Thailand for the first time in 1960 to replace the pedicab, which was forbidden to run. in BangkokToday, Thailand has produced and sent to sell abroad as well as "TUK-TUK", a three-wheeled tuk-tuk has a general service in every province. which some areas have special characteristics such as a tuk-tuk in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province A car with a larger front than usual is known as a "Frog Face Tuk Tuk".

Khao Soi named world’s best soup by foodie website TasteAtlas.comNorthern Thailand’s delicious coconut concoction “Khao Soi” was named the best soup in the world by TasteAtlas.com.The interactive website, which highlights the best dishes in different countries, published its list of “50 Best Soups in the World” on Thursday.Apart from Khao Soi, which topped the list with 4.9 points out of 5, the list also had Tom Yum Kung (spicy shrimp soup) and Tom Kha Gai (sour coconut chicken) in the 13th and 14th positions respectively.The Finnish salmon soup came in second, followed by Scotland’s Cullen Skink and Japan’s traditional Ramen.TasteAtlas describes Khao Soi as a “delicious coconut soup in which numerous regional influences were combined to create a truly spectacular dish. The base of the soup is a slightly spicy broth which combines coconut milk and red curry paste.“The broth is served with flat egg noodles and a choice of meat, which usually includes chicken, beef, and pork. It is topped with a handful of crisp fried noodles and chopped cilantro. The dish is commonly served alongside a variety of condiments such as fresh lime, pickled cabbage, shallots, and chilis.”The site also listed five restaurants where you can find the best Khao Soi in Thailand, however they are all in Chiang Mai’s Muang district. The restaurants are Khun Yai in Si Phum subdistrict, Lam Duan in Wat Ket subdistrict, Khao Soi Islam in Chang Moi subdistrict, Samer Jai in Fa Ham subdistrict and Lung Prakit Kaat Gorm in Hai Ya subdistrict.Though Khao Soi is a traditional northern dish, it can be found in most parts of Thailand.Credit by: https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40018575

While once upon a time, relaxation was something that came to people quite naturally, the stressors of urban living have made it abundantly clear that to really unwind, it’s best to retreat to nature every once in a while. And that’s no different when you’re on vacation: to find a moment of peace and relax in Thailand, travelers would be well advised to explore the country’s great outdoors!From idyllic beaches to awe-inspiring mountain scenery and everything in between, these are some of the most mindful ways to reconnect with nature during your stay in the Kingdom.- Go forest bathing in a national park What, you haven’t heard of forest bathing? The Japanese technique, known originally as ‘shinrin-yoku’ (‘forest bath’), has become a huge trend among the holistically inclined, and it’s not a surprise, seeing the benefits: research shows forest bathing reduces the production of stress hormones in the body, lowers blood pressure and boosts the immune system. Thailand’s world-famous national parks, which cover nearly 20% of the entire country, offer incredible opportunities to bathe in nature. Popular Khao Sok and Erawan lead the way for many travellers, although the country’s lesser-known parks are equally stunning – and you’ll be sharing with fewer people!- Relax in Thailand with a beachside yoga or meditation session  Strike a pose: there’s nothing quite like kicking off the day with a beachside yoga session!If you’re a fan of wellness, you’ve probably tried yoga or meditation before. But have you done either outdoors? One amazing way to relax in Thailand is to grab your mat or take a few moments to breathe with conscience from the comfort of a bungalow on the beach. While pros are unlikely to need guidance as they switch back and forth between their favorite poses with the sound of waves nearby, beginners won’t struggle to find a yoga studio on islands from Koh Samui to Koh Lanta – make sure you book yourself in for a sunrise meditation session for a truly relaxing start to the day!- Release toxins and stress in a natural hot spring Getting soaked: natural hot springs are a sustainable and healthy way to calm down during your visit to the Kingdom.Did you know that evidence suggests people have been using hot springs for relaxation for thousands of years? If you’ve never had the pleasure, picture them a bit like a giant Jacuzzi under the sky, filled with natural water that’s heated from volcanic heat deep within the earth!Due to the water coming from within the ground, it carries a huge amount of healthy minerals that help put your muscles at ease and balance your skin’s PH value. There are hot springs all over the Kingdom, though Krabi Province’s famous jungle ones are perhaps the most memorable… and a traditional way to relax in Thailand!- Relax in Thailand by learning about rice cultivation and harvest Speaking of traditions, rice has been a staple in the country’s diet for as long as anyone can look back. In villages from the Deep South to the high North, the grain is still grown using long-established techniques, and travelers are exceedingly coming to realize how rewarding a day in a rice paddy can be.Whether you book your activity with a luxury resort in Chiang Mai or a local charity in Isan State, spending a day in the field is an incredibly immersive and grounding way to be with nature, find a bit of peace and calm, and end enjoy a healthy, well-earned and locally sourced meal before the day ends. If you ask us, it’s pure bliss!Credit by: https://www.gothaibefree.com/nature-and-chill-four-ways-to-relax-in-thailand-great-outdoors/

Gay Travel to Thailand: our country guide to the land of smiles“You've been to so many places in the world guys, you must have a favourite?”We sure do! Can you guess what it is?Hint…it's a country with gorgeous beaches, mouth-watering food, a rich cultural heritage, plenty of adventure activities, warm-hearted welcoming people, largely inexpensive, and a fantastic gay scene in its capital……it's THAILAND!That's right, the “Land of Smiles“ is one place we are always happy to come back to. It was one of the first places we ever came to in Asia many moons ago, and it's one place we always strive to visit again and again, every single year! From the Circuit parties during Songkran to the fantastic street-party feel during New Years, we love love LOVE Thailand! For this reason, we rate Thailand as one of the not-to-miss gay travel vacation destinations in the world. THAILAND IS A DESTINATION THAT OFFERS SO MUCH TO LGBTQ TRAVELERS. We've put together this comprehensive gay guide to Thailand setting out the best gay scenes across the country, the best queer events to look out for, lots of inspiration for the best activities to do here, and other practical information for LGBTQ travelers.Here we go! Gay rights in ThailandOverall, Thailand has progressive LGBTQ laws in places, easily making it one of the most gay friendly countries in Asia in our humble opinion. For example, homosexuality was legalised in 1956 then declassified as an illness in 2002. Furthermore, comprehensive anti-discrimination laws were introduced in 2015, the LGBT community have been allowed to serve openly in the military since 2005, and civil union laws are on the verge of being introduced.In relation to the transgender community, the right to change legal gender is in the process of being introduced as well, but despite the lack of comprehensive laws about this,  Thailand remains a haven for the transgender community in Asia. All the transgender men and women we met during our travels in Asia strived to come to Bangkok for a better life and to have the best surgeries. You can read more about this in our interview with our transgender female friend Regina from the Philippines.When it comes to same-sex marriage, Thailand still has a way to go, especially when compared to its more liberal Asian neighbour, Taiwan which became the first place in Asia to introduce gay marriage laws in 2019. However, by Asian standards, Thailand remains one of the few LGBTQ-friendly hubs in Asia.In Thailand safe for gay travellers?Absolutely hell yeah!WE KEEP COMING BACK TO THAILAND FOR THIS VERY REASON. The Thais are one of the most warm-hearted and welcoming people we've ever come across. Most are Buddhist, a religion with tolerance and acceptance at its core. We felt this from the moment we set foot for our first time at Suvarnabhumi Airport as a young gay couple: no one cared that we are a gay couple, no one gave us funny looks and no one was violent towards us. At worst, people asked if we are brothers…!Thanks a lot for this such a great article! J  credited by : https://nomadicboys.com/thailand-gay-guide/

Lampang is the only province in Thailand that has horse carriage service In 1916, during the King Rama V era, the city of Lampang was governed by Don Bunyawat Wongmanit. During that period, under European influence, horse carriages were brought to Thailand. The first horse carriages came from Bangkok, where they were the main transport for government officers in the capital city. The horse carriage was used in many upcountry areas in Thailand. Lampang is the only province to continue using them, you can ask the driver to give you a ride to a place nearby.

Where to Eat Street Food in Bangkok.Street food in Bangkok is a melting pot of culture. It brings people together, it celebrates history and is part of showcasing some of the tastiest food each respective country has to offer. There is something magical about walking down a narrow street.  Smelling a rich broth cooked by a converted bicycle and being served a heart-warming noodle soup whilst sitting on a tiny chair, watching the world go by. You could live in a city like Bangkok for years and still be surprised by a tiny woman cooking Thai food on a corner you have never seen before. Street food in Bangkok is such a big part of why so many flock to the city every year. And our way to celebrate it is to highlight our top picks. We spent a long time going to every soi, district, and corner house to bring you our top picks for 2020. With special mention to Gary Butler, the Roaming Cook who helped us create this list and took much of the photography. The city of Bangkok and its street food chefs are spread out wide across the Thai capital. Because of this we have only focussed on a few select areas. Alongside a few profiles we will also give advice on how to get to each place and what to order.The fact the street food is so versatile and robust as a category meant it was hard to pick and choose our favourites! We chose our venues for their role in the community, popularity and also the way the food has impacted on culture. Bangkok is certainly one of those cities you could live in all your life and still discover new hidden gems. We spent a long time wandering every Soi, exploring every corner and also asking the locals about the best street food in bustling Bangkok. - Pe Aor Lobster Tom YumOne of the main reasons to visit Petchaburi Soi 5 is to eat at P’Aor for a delicious bowl of Tom Yum Goong. A thick, creamy broth with sweet and sour notes, rolled rice noodles and giant prawns.Pe Aor is famous for its giant rock lobster Tom Yum soup. This is by no means a typical cheap street food spot with dishes going for 1200 THB but the sheer size of the bowl and quality of ingredients is worth the price tag.This is a dish made for sharing as its piled high with fresh squid, mussels and prawns in a rich and fragrant soup. The creamy broth is served alongside a mountain of rice noodles. If you are a solo foodie then don’t worry about the high price. The Tom Yum Kong Sod with two large fresh river prawns and the same creamy broth is 60 THB. A fraction of the price but the same mouth-watering experience! This is definitely the best tom yum in Bangkok by far.  - Jay FaiChef Jay Fai is a household legend in Bangkok’s culinary scene. The 70-year-old lady has been serving up outstanding street food behind her large wok for some 30 years. People from all over the world come to see her wearing her iconic ski goggles as she shows off her wok skills over the charcoal brazier.Jay Fai’s little shophouse is in the Old Town district. The cues are crazy long here but there is usually a little book outside for you to place your name. Jay Fai has made a name for herself for her twists on classic Thai dishes. Her dry Tom Yum with and Khao Jiew poo (crab omelette) went as far as to be featured on Netflix’s Chef table spin-off about street food.As you can imagine, all dishes are stir-fried with super-fresh seafood like tiger prawns and giant pieces of crab elevating the meals. And all the portions are extremely generous so you could do with bringing a crew of food lovers to help polish off each plate.  - Ann Guay TeowAnn Guay Teow takes fried noodles to another level. The food is cooked over a high heat charcoal stove and then served on their small air-con shop-house. You have many options to choose from such as chicken, seafood, ham or a mix of everything. On top of this, you can choose to have your eggs scrambled or cracked over the top so the steam cooks it slowly. The chicken used is of the thigh to which is usually kept tender compared to breast, and the pieces are marinated in soy and peeper sauce before being charred over the wok. There is always a large slice of lettuce holding the noodles with spring onions around however as most know. Guay Teow is made to the individual taste so each table is adorned with Chilli vinegar, dried chilli flakes, white pepper, sugar soy sauce and Thai Sriracha chilli sauce.  Enjoy! - Elvis SukiElvis Suki has a bit of a cult following amongst the foodies of Bangkok. Even many of the cabbies around the city will praise this as a worthing spot to get some grub. The restaurant covers a large outdoor area taking over much of the Soi. There is a second floor Air con area but we prefer to sit in the buzz of the street. Suki is a big-time Thai dish that many people love. Suki is fried ‘woon sen noodles’ which can be served dry or with soup alongside crunchy cabbage and chopped green onions. Suki sauce is served on the side and is a red spicy and slightly tart dip. Elvis Suki have a secret recipe for the sauce which may be the reason it gets so busy! Another reason for their popularity is their large selection of seafood to choose from. Grilled seabass in banana leaf, herbal steam mussels, boiled cockles and grilled scallops are all very good choices.  - Yarowat/ China TownNo trip to Bangkok is complete without visiting the foodie hotspot of Chinatown or as the locals call it Yaowarat. The cultural melting pot of this district has led to it being one of the most concentrated street food destinations in the city. At nighttime Yaowarat road is lit up by heavy traffic and neon signs, with street food vendors parked up along the curb. Some of the most famous foodie highlights include bamboo stick grilled chicken satay, with peanut sauce alongside crunchy cucumber, shallots, and chilli from Jay Eng (105 Charoen KrungRoad).Pa Tong Go (fried crispy doughnuts) is a sweet irresistible treat when dipped in Thai pandan custard or condensed milk. You will find the best crispy golden dough balls at Pa Tong Go Savoey. And you will find many stalls serving toasted chestnuts. Some other highlights include duck noodle soup and plenty of tasty Dim Sum restaurants.Many locals will recommend Guay Jub (rolled rice noodles with pork offal). It’s a signature dish in the area with some of the best vendors being Haa Bai Tao on the corner of Charoen Nakhon soi 20 and Guay Jub Song Wat on soi Song Wat, in the little alleyway across from soi Pao Prasit.Guay Jub is a nutritious bowl of peppery pork bone broth with rolled-up rice noodles, eggs, and various pork innards packed with vitamins.Just a short distance from Yoawarat is the community of Pahurat, known as Bangkok’s very Little India, and home to some great Indian street food restaurants like Toney Restaurant. Chinatown is easy to get to by taxi, or alternatively, you can take the MRT to Hua Lamphong station, and then walk around 10 mins or take a tuk-tuk/motorbike.- Odean Crab NoodleThis tiny little shophouse is famous for its crab wonton noodle soup. Run by its family for many generations in Bangkok’s Chinatown we think Odean deserves a mention in our street food list. Do you want crab noodles with wontons? Then this is where you go.To start, the egg noodles and prawn wonton are handmade everyday day and the rich soup broth has no stock powder, just crab shells and pork bones which are then simmered all day. Then it comes down to choosing the crab, by claw size!  The fresh claws start at 150 THB for a small claw up to 550 THB but for a giant one. But if the claw isn’t for you than the standard bowl starts at 65 THB with a little bit of flakey crab meat and wontons. Odean noodles can also be served with the smokey roast barbecue pork and we really recommend the sweet delicious deep-fried prawn wontons! - Khao Gaeng Jake PueyAnother popular corner shop to feature on the popular Netflix Street Food series is Khao Gaeng Jake Puey. This backstreet curry stall in China Town is a firm favourite of the neighbourhood for their central Thai curries made here. Khao Gaeng, meaning ‘Rice curry’ can be found all over Bangkok but there is a reason the locals keep coming back here.   One of the most loved Thai dishes at Khao Gaeng Jake Puey is their kaeng kari moo. Creamy pork-based curry using yellow paste and coconut milk. You will definitely want to try the glazed pork ribs are known as Seekong Moo Ob. And make sure to eat the Chinese sausage if offered.  Also known as Lap Cheong is a dried, hard sausage made from pork and pork fat. The sweet, fatty bites are smoked, sweetened, and seasoned with rose water, rice wine, and also soy sauce.The curries here are worth the queuing. They are bold, rich, creamy, and pack a punch of southern Thai spices- Chee Cheung Wo Braised Duck NoodleOh, there is something so mouth-watering when we hear the words Braised Duck Noodle!  Chee Chung Wo is a 100-year-old Chinatown house serving the best duck noodle in Bangkok. The 90-year-old Thai-Chinese chef is now a local legend for making the egg noodles and wontons by hand even today. His son Yai has now taken the helm of cooking each Chinese spice soup dish. Alongside juicy pork wontons, you will be treated to a large tender duck drumstick and a pile of egg noodles. You will be surprised at how absolutely delicious this place is! - Padthai NarokPad Thai is, without a doubt, the most well known and most eaten Thai dish in the world outside of Thailand. Even in Bangkok, it’s hard not to find this popular dish in most Thai restaurants and shophouses. However, that doesn’t always mean they taste good! Unfortunately, it’s common to add lots of sugar to dishes for westerners but not at Pad Thai Narok. Narok Taek is on the other side of the river in Khlong San. The sauce is heavy on the tamarind making it a little bit more sour than average. But it works well with the roasted chilli paste!  The classic pad Thai is served with the usual suspects like extra bean sprouts, fresh lime wedges, garlic and chives. Even the small dried prawns are fried with shallots, dried red chillies and lime leaves to create add extra texture and a salty, savoury flavour to the noodles. Chef Aom chose one thing to be good at and he has become the master of Pad Thai with his high heat wok cooking. - Boon Tong Kiat Chicken RiceHaving lived in Thonglor for a long time, we frequent this Singaporean chicken rice shop often. Singapore chicken rice is different from the Thai version but this once again comes down to the spicy sauce served. There is so much fragrance in the cooking here, from the chilli and vinegar of the sauces to the garlic and ginger cooked in the stock.The inside area has an air-con with each table having three different sauce jars for chilli, vinegar and ginger. Boon Tong Kiat is a simple place right in the centre of the trendy Thonglor area, but its chicken rice is, without doubt, one of the best around. And you will be wanting a second portion for sure.- Prachak Roast DuckMany of Bangkok’s street food experts will tell you if you want a roast duck, you head to Charoen Krung road and find Prachak. Prachak Pet Yang is the king of duck dishes. Choose the Pet Yang which is a decent-sized duck plate with bite-sized portions, dripping in duck juice and sweet dark sauce. Pink pickled ginger and rice are perfect companions. However, the fresh egg noodles tossed with chilli flakes, and a splash of soy vinegar is also a tasty treat. Look for the hanging ducks outside for the entrance and you will also find plenty of seating inside. - Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken RiceFor over 50 years this humble chicken rice stall has been feeding the masses with their Khao Man Gai. A Thai version of Hainan Chicken Rice. It really all comes down to the sauce, which is much spicier but still delicious. The rice is still cooked with the chicken oil for fragrance but Thai style tends to leave the rice less oily in taste. This corner shop-house always has a line so we recommend coming just before lunch time and grab yourself a serving before a day of shopping at the mega malls nearby. - Lungpratunam Boat NoodleThis is a bit of a hidden gem and we aren’t lying about the hidden part. Head for Sio 30 passing the street food vendors until you reach a corner hairdressers. Turn left for 20 metres and you should be there, but remember it is down in the alley and not on the street level.The family run boat noodle shop has been going for around 35 years. Mr. Lung has now retired leaving the legacy to his daughter Ya, who serves the dark rich soup to the many workers in the area. Boat noodle is a strange dish which is loved by many and hated by a few. This may come down to the Nam Tok (cow or pigs blood) often used. You see, boat noodle is a concentrated strong stock of pickled bean curd, dark soy sauce and pork and beef. It is one of those dishes which is flavoured to your personal taste by the condiments on the table and most people use chili flakes. Fish sauce and sugar. The small bowls of broth come with your choice of noodles, minced meat, meatballs and pig’s liver. For around 30 THB it’s very reasonably priced and it’s often while you will see some customers with 12 bowls stacked up next to them! Once again, this isn’t for everyone. But if you want to get the full experience of a well-made boat noodle, this is the place to go.

Bangkok saw an explosion of glamour, gilt, and glitter Sunday as the country's LGBTQ community celebrated their first Pride parade in almost 16 years -- but attendees warned true equality was still distant.A large rainbow flag is seen being held by participants of Bangkok Naruemit Pride 2022, the event aimed at boosting gender equality. (Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul) Bangkok's "Naruemit Pride 2022" -- Naruemit means "creation" in Thai -- was organised by a coalition of non-governmental groups with the city's newly ratified Governor Chadchart Sittipunt also throwing his weight behind it. Allies and people of all genders, including drag artists, sex workers, feminists and even a few furries -- people who are interested in or dress up as animal characters with human personalities -- bounded down one of the megalopolis's main throughways for the first official parade since 2006. "I feel so happy," said grinning drag queen Johnnie Phurikorn, who had paired his red lipstick with an exuberant scarlet ruffled dress for his first Pride. "I feel glad and thankful to have this moment," the 31-year-old said, but added that his country needed to do more to support LGBTQ individuals. While the country has a highly visible LGBTQ community, many still face major hurdles and discrimination in the conservative Buddhist-majority kingdom. "I don't want people to think we are different," said Maysa Petkam, a competitor in transgender beauty pageant Miss Tiffany Universe. "We don't want more rights than other genders, we only want basic rights," she said, noting how the community still faced daily discrimination. "I wish same-sex marriage law passes so that there will be laws that protect and decrease gender inequality," she added, steadying her vertiginous crown as she emphasised her point. A right to love For engaged couple Anticha Sangchai and Vorawan Ramwan, the question of marriage equality was particularly pertinent. The pair in diaphanous white gowns caught the crowd's attention -- and later social media -- with their wedding ceremony in the midst of the parade. "My beloved friends walk together and gave us a special moment in our life," Anticha told AFP, calling the experience among the crowds an "honour". Parliament has yet to legalise same-sex marriage, with the cabinet in March pushing back a proposal recognising the unions equally. "Everyone has the right of raising a family, love and marriage with anyone they love," Anticha said. "Why we can't do that as a human being?" As the pair headed off with the end of the official parade, the party was not quite over. A large group congregated under one of the city's metro stations -- partially blocking a major road -- and gave an impromptu drag show to songs by Madonna, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. It looked set to continue into the night as the crowd, many hanging over railings and crammed into street corners, screamed each performance as they chanted the lyrics of Perry's "I kissed a girl and I liked it".Source:  bit.ly (Bangkok Post) View photos of the event below: Thank you for the photos from the Facebook page Travel Kadin : PhotoHolic @TiewGaDin #ThaiLGBTconnect #ThailandLGBTTravel #DiversityEra #AmazingThailand #Diversity #นฤมิตไพร์ด #BangkokNaruemitPride #BangkokNaruemitPride2022 #BangkokPride2022 #Pridemonth2022 #Pride2022 #ThailandNews #ThailandUpdate

1. What is THAI LGBT+ CONNECT about?  We provide travel services in Thailand to the LGBT+ travelers and we have website platform services that is linked to a group of entrepreneurs. This relates to the tourism industry focused on services to the LGBT+ community, the company is Thailand's first LGBT+ travel agency, both Thai and Foreign.2. How does THAI LGBT CONNECT come from?            Due to the impact of the COVID-19 situation, Asian Plus Travel has to adjust its business plan. The focus of online marketing more than ever in the "New Normal" era by gaining knowledge of business development from the government to develop into a business model. And with more than 15 years of experiences in providing tours to LGBT+ guests around the world, we have realized the importance of the LGBT+ community, and therefore came up with this service. In response to a group of LGBT+ visitors who are interested in traveling to Thailand. And want to receive the most impressive service throughout the journey3. What are the strengths of THAI LGBT CONNECT?          With more than 15 years of experiences in the tourism business, we are able to understand the needs of LGBT+ travelers very well. And with talented LGBT+ people Therefore can be confident in our service Including we have a long network in the tourism industry. Ready to open the experience for LGBT+ travelers, both Thai and foreign. To join our travels4. Prospects of THAI LGBT CONNECT We aim to be a tourism business that connecting LGBT+ community to LGBT+ visitors and tourism industry operators to LGBT+ travelers, such as accommodations, restaurants, shopping centers Health and nightlife, etc. Under the concept of Travel & Community, the connection and exchange create a positive image for the LGBT+ community and present a good image of Thailand.

Thailand One of the Top Romantic and Gay Friendly Destinations "The Land of Smiles" Thailand Captures Our HeartsThailand has long been on our list of top romantic destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers. Thailand is located in Southeast Asia, and Bangkok is its capital.If you haven't already experienced the serenity of a blissful Thai massage or the excitement of its ultramodern capital, Bangkok, Thailand, is a must-do.Whenever we plan our gay Thailand travel itinerary, we think about why there are so many gay people in Thailand and what makes it such an LGBTQ+ hot spot?The answer surely lies in the fact that the people are known to be "Thai friendly," which is a high standard to follow. A Thailand vacation is a lifetime experience you'll treasure forever.Why You'll Love Thailand:Its people are incredibly welcoming, warm, and positiveThe beautiful beaches are among the best in the worldThe combination of fascinating culture, fantastic cuisine, fun nightlife, and at the same time, the opportunity to unwind and restore makes Thailand a unique place to visitCredit : https://www.gaytravel.com/gay-blog/top-romantic-and-gay-friendly-destinations

Lazy day – five reasons to spend some time doing absolutely nothing in ThailandIt’s no secret: we’re not ones to kick back and let life pass us by. Hence, we like to inspire you every week with the most adventurous and memorable experiences Thailand has to offer – and sure enough, there are plenty of those!But every now and then, even we like to take it easy and while away some time in the land of smiles. After all, who wouldn’t enjoy some downtime during a tropical getaway? If you were looking for some ideas on things not to do, look no further. Here are our top five reasons to sit back and relax for a day. 01: It’s what the locals doThe old saying ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do’ applies to Thailand, too. And there can be no doubt the locals like to laze away some time on a daily basis. Whether it’s catching up with a friend at the local market or slurping an ice-cold Singha on one’s porch in the evening, Thai people value socializing and regular moments of relaxation. It’s not that they actively make time for it either; it just happens to be part of the daily routine! 02: You might enjoy it more than you thinkSometimes, you’ve got to just go with the flow – quite literally.It’s common to try and see as much as possible when travelling to a faraway destination, but it’s not always the most enjoyable thing to do. Instead of planning out one’s entire stay in advance, try and go with the flow sometime. You’ll find yourself understanding your surroundings better and you’ll be more willing to try out something spontaneously – even if it’s just a simple, inexpensive but surprisingly effective massage from a small beachside parlour. 03: You’re likely to make friendsSee that couple over there by the pool? They’re also doing nothing. Whereas adventurous activities offer opportunities to share a quick laugh (and a thrill!) with a bunch of friendly strangers, chatting up people at the hotel or by the sea tends to lead to deeper conversations and longer-lasting friendships. Why not invite a few ‘left-behinders’ at the hotel down to the beach for a day of chit-chat and cocktails? You’d be surprised how laidback and social people are when there’s sand between their toes. 04: You’ll take more away from your stayKick back with a coconut and let the impressions of your journey to Thailand sink in.If you’ve already gone diving, climbing and temple-hopping, you’ll know what it’s like trying to make sense of all those new impressions. A country as rich in culture and colours as Thailand, it’s easy to try and soak it all up in one go, but you’ll only ever scratch the surface of things… Take out a day for some reflection instead and you’ll have time to think about what parts of Thai culture you’d like to explore more – or even adopt into your life back home! 05: Thailand is the perfect place to hammock and chillThis might be a bit of an obvious thing to point out, but who would argue the Thai Kingdom isn’t an ideal destination to simply do nothing at all for a while? With palm trees forever swaying in the gentle breeze, some of the most enviable swathes of sand in the world and a cuisine that’s as comforting as it is renowned, there might as well be a picture of a Thai beach next to the world ‘relaxation’ in the dictionary. If you don’t take a day to just while away here, where else would you?Credit: https://www.gothaibefree.com/lazy-day-five-reasons-to-spend-some-time-doing-absolutely-nothing-in-thailand/

TAT Announces Songkran 2022 Festivities in New Normal Focusing on the traditional and cultural aspects of the Thai New Year, while strictly adhering to the nationwide public health protocols. Bangkok, 5 April 2022 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is hosting the ‘Amazing Songkran 2022 Celebrations’ at 10 temples in Bangkok and the ‘Songkran Music Heritage Festival 2022’ in Ayutthaya and Songkhla, as well as supporting other Songkran festivities in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Samut Prakan. Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said, “The Royal Thai Government has allowed the Songkran 2022 festivities to take place under universal prevention and COVID-free setting guidelines and to highlight the traditional and cultural aspects of the festival. As such, TAT is emphasizing honoring the centuries-old origins and traditions of the Thai New Year, a time when family comes first, respect is paid to seniors, and people visit the temples to take part in age-old ceremonies.” This year, all Songkran festivities hosted or supported by TAT will occur according to universal prevention guidelines against COVID-19. All participants are asked to kindly strictly follow these rules, including being fully vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccine or showing a negative test result using an Antigen Test Kit of no more than 72 hours. Songkran 2022 festivities hosted by TAT 1. Amazing Songkran 2022 Celebrations from 9-17 April, at 10 temples in BangkokTAT has scheduled traditional festivities that honor the centuries-old origins and traditions of the Thai New Year at 10 temples in Bangkok’s old quarters; namely, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Wat Rakang, Wat Suthat, Wat Kalayanamit, Wat Prayun, Wat Ratchanatdaram, Wat Mahathat, Wat Saket (Phu Khao Thong), and Wat Ratchabophit.   2. Songkran Music Heritage Festival 2022’ from 12-21 April, in Ayutthaya and SongkhlaTAT has selected Ayutthaya’s Wat Phra Ram and Songkhla’s old town as venues for the ‘Songkran Music Heritage 2022’ to enhance local and international awareness of both locations’ historical and cultural significance. Festivities at both locations will honor the centuries-old cultures and traditions of Songkran while presenting modern-day entertaining elements. Songkran 2022 festivities supported by TAT 1. The ICONIC Songkran Festival 2022’ from 8-17 April, at ICONSIAM in Bangkok.Key festivities will focus on the traditional and cultural aspects of Songkran, including Song Nam Phra, and Rot Nam Dam Hua – a ritual to pay respect to the elders, family-focused activities, kite displays, merit-making activities, and a replica of a Thai temple fair. 2. Water Festival’ by Thai Beverage Plc (ThaiBev) in 6 Thai cities13-15 April 2022, at 9 historic piers along Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River; namely Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Prayun, Wat Kalayanamit, Wat Rakang, Maharaj Pier, Lhong 1919, SookSiam at ICONSIAM, and Asiatique the Riverfront. 13-15 April 2022, at Lanna Ancient House, Charoen Prathet Road, Chiang Mai. 13 April 2022, at Inthayongyos Road, Mueang Lamphun. 13-14 April 2022, at Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, Udon Thani. 13-14 April 2022, at Wat Chaisi, Mueang Khon Kaen. 11-12 April 2022, at Phuket’s old town. 3. Nam Thip Pi Mai Muang Chiang Mai’ from 12-16 April, in Chiang MaiThis year, the ceremony of creating ‘Nam Thip’ is scheduled to take place on 10 April at Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, and a total of 10,726 bottles of ‘lustral water’ will be given to visitors to Chiang Mai during 12-16 April at 10 distribution locations via advance registration. Visitors are also encouraged to visit these temples which boast magnificent Lanna architecture. Cultures and traditions for enjoying Songkran in Thailand1. Visit the templeThe main activity is the pouring of scented water onto the sacred Buddha images of the temple – a ritual called Song Nam Phra. It seems that in past times, lustral water used to clean Buddhist statues was regarded as spiritually cleansing and so collected and gently dripped over family members for luck – called Rot Nam Dam Hua.2. Build a sand stupaAround Songkran do not be surprised to see what appear to be large sandcastles on the grounds of temples. These are made as a way of replacing the earth taken away throughout the year in the shoes of people coming to pray. These Chedi Sai, as they are known are often decorated with flags, colored pebbles, and money, and families or groups of friends work together to build them.3. Pay respect to the eldersOne charming element of Songkran, often overlooked by visitors is the tradition of paying respect to elders in the Thai family. This is usually done on the second day of Songkran (14 April), and young people prepare rose and jasmine water, as well as Nam Op, scented water to wash their parents’ hands in a ceremony called Rot Nam Dam Hua. In return, the parents give the children their blessings marked by a garland of jasmine. Last but not least, kindly be reminded that this year the Royal Thai Government has prohibited water splashing, powder smearing, and foam parties at Songkran locations and in public areas. The sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages are also prohibited at the event’s location. Credit: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/04/tat-announces-songkran-2022-festivities-in-new-normal/