Celebrating One Year of Marriage Equality in Thailand
On 25 September 2026, APCOM Foundation hosted the inaugural APCOM Thailand Equality Gala 2026 at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok, bringing together leaders from government, business, diplomatic missions, civil society, and LGBTQI+ communities to celebrate one year of Marriage Equality in Thailand.
Supported by the Elton John AIDS Foundation, the Gala celebrated how far we have come while exploring what it takes to turn legal milestones into meaningful change. Through inspiring speeches and discussions, speakers shared perspectives on inclusive workplaces, youth empowerment, anti-discrimination protections, and cross-sector collaboration to advance equality, health, human rights, and inclusion.
The Gala also raised THB 98,510 for the #APCOMPassion Emergency Fund, supporting LGBTQI+ communities and community-led organisations across Asia and the Pacific.
We also recognise the impact of the flooding in Bangkok that evening, which prevented some guests from joining us. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and especially appreciate the effort you made to be with us despite the heavy rain and flooding. Your presence and support meant so much to us.
In the spirit of solidarity and community care, a portion of the Gala’s proceeds will support LGBTQI+ people affected by the floods in Bangkok, extending our commitment to stand alongside our communities in times of need.
As we celebrate this milestone, one message remains clear: Equality Matters: not only in law, but in everyday life. Together, we can turn progress into lasting change.
Voices from the Stage!
Opening remarks: Midnight Poonkasetwattana
Executive Director, APCOM Foundation
Midnight welcomed guests to the APCOM Thailand Equality Gala 2026, celebrating Thailand’s Marriage Equality milestone and the more than 26,000 couples who have registered their marriages. He highlighted APCOM’s commitment to advancing health, human rights, and equality across Asia and the Pacific, while emphasizing the need to protect and sustain community-led initiatives amid growing challenges. He thanked the Elton John AIDS Foundation, partners, and supporters whose contributions will benefit the #APCOMPassion Emergency Fund. Looking ahead to APCOM’s 20th anniversary in 2027, he called for stronger partnerships and continued collective action to make equality a reality for all.
Keynote address: Aiman Nawawi
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Lead from Unilever Thailand
In his keynote address, Aiman reflected on what equality truly means, drawing from his personal journey from a small town on Malaysia’s east coast to studying in the UK, where he experienced being a minority whose voice was not always heard or valued. At Unilever, he found an environment where his voice was respected, reinforcing his belief that equality is not just about being heard, but also about feeling a sense of belonging. He highlighted Unilever’s commitment to LGBTQI+ inclusion through employee Proud networks, Thailand’s gender transition policy, and same-sex partner benefits, emphasising the importance of creating a workplace where everyone can be authentic and thrive together.
Fireside Chat: The Road to LGBTQI+ Equality in Thailand
Nareeluc Pairchaiyapoom
Director of the International Human Rights Division of the Rights and Liberties Protection Department from Ministry of Justice Thailand
Nareeluc highlighted Thailand’s Marriage Equality Act as a significant milestone and a starting point for building a society where everyone is treated equally. According to figures from the Ministry of Interior, 36,189 same-sex couples registered their marriages between 23 January 2025 and 24 September 2026, reflecting the law’s impact on couples’ ability to live openly. She also outlined ongoing legislative efforts, including the proposed anti-discrimination law, the draft law on gender recognition, and developments concerning surrogacy legislation. Emphasising that legal progress takes time, she stressed that addressing discrimination and advancing equality require collective responsibility, continued public education, and regional collaboration.
Riddy Sornsomsuk
Chairman, Youth Lead Asia and the Pacific Network
Riddy Sornsomsuk emphasised that Marriage Equality is a significant milestone for young people and LGBTQI+ communities, but achieving equality in everyday life requires further action. He highlighted the need for a more inclusive curriculum in Thailand’s education system, where young people can learn about LGBTQI+ identities, SOGIESC, sexual health, and STI prevention without stigma. He also called on governments, businesses, and communities to meaningfully include young people in advocacy and policymaking, recognising their diverse and intersecting experiences. Beyond protecting rights, he stressed the importance of empowering youth with the skills and opportunities to lead campaigns, challenge discrimination, and shape a more inclusive society.
Art Phanthumachinda
Insights and Analytics Manager Thailand & Vietnam, Reckitt Thailand
Art Phanthumachinda highlighted that businesses can advance LGBTQI+ equality beyond inclusive workplace policies by using their influence, communication platforms, and products to promote diversity and inclusion. He emphasised that corporate support should extend beyond Pride Month, with consistent messaging that reflects LGBTQI+ communities throughout the year. He also noted the growing visibility of LGBTQI+ characters and relationships in films and television, marking a shift from past stereotypes towards more prominent representation. Finally, he underscored the importance of collaboration between businesses, civil society, and governments, sharing Reckitt’s ongoing partnerships with APCOM and the United Nations to support LGBTQI+ communities and broader social change.
Closing remarks: Eduardo Villa Molina
Head of Communications, Press and Administrative Affairs, Embassy of Mexico in Thailand
Eduardo shared a powerful reflection at the APCOM Thailand Equality Gala 2026, connecting his childhood experience witnessing the impact of AIDS with the progress made in HIV prevention, treatment, and LGBTQI+ rights. He reaffirmed Mexico’s commitment to equality and human rights, highlighted the Embassy’s collaboration with APCOM, and announced plans for a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise future cooperation. His closing message encouraged everyone to choose empathy over rejection, knowledge over ignorance, and love over fear, reminding us that unity and collective action are essential to advancing equality for all.
Voices from our guests!
“The honor was absolutely mine -thank you so much for having me on such a special and impactful occasion.From various and intersectional perspectives -arts, politics, business, diplomacy etc., I have learned so much and feel further empowered to continue this inclusion journey. Once again, congratulations to you and your team on such a crucial milestone. Stay well and dry, and remember -there should be a big rainbow after the rain.”
Yumi Takahata
Senior Manager Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Asia Pacific, Deloitte
“Thank you for the wonderful photos! It was such a fun and entertaining event. I can only imagine how much effort you and your team put into planning and organizing everything. It was a fantastic experience, and all your hard work was clearly reflected in the event’s success”
Mayvadee Chavachareon
“Having arrived in Bangkok only a month ago and still being very new to the city, it was particularly meaningful for us that the APCOM Thailand Equality Gala was one of the very first social events we had the opportunity to attend. We truly enjoyed the evening and felt very warmly welcomed. A commitment to diversity, inclusion and LGBTQI+ rights has been a constant part of our lives throughout every diplomatic posting we have had, and these are values that are very close to us personally. We very much hope that during our years in Thailand we can continue supporting the work you do. Please do not hesitate to count on us whenever we may be able to help. Thank you as well for sending us the photographs — it was a lovely surprise to receive them. And, most importantly, please convey our warmest congratulations to the entire APCOM team and everyone involved in organising the Gala. It was an excellent event: beautifully organised, welcoming, meaningful and genuinely enjoyable.”
Pablo Martín Ávila, Head of Political, Press and Information Section of the EU Delegation to Thailand, and his spouse Luis Melgar Valero
For Event Photos – Click at the image Below
Art Piece by
Sophirat Muangkum
Purchased by
Steven Lim
Art Piece by
George Kongmark
Art Piece by
Surachai Saengsuwan
Purchased by Suksant Vongpunsawad
Art Piece by Tom Potisit
Purchased by Cleiton Euzebio de Lima
Become a Sponsor.
Make Equality Matter. Shape the Future
Following the success of the inaugural APCOM Thailand Equality Gala in 2026, APCOM will host the APCOM Thailand Equality Gala 2027 in August, as part of our 20th Anniversary celebrations.
The Gala will bring together business leaders, diplomatic representatives, partners, and LGBTQI+ communities to celebrate two decades of advancing equality, health, and human rights across Asia and the Pacific.
We invite businesses, organisations, and allies to partner with APCOM for this landmark celebration. Your sponsorship is more than supporting an event — it is an investment in LGBTQI+ communities, community-led initiatives, and a more inclusive future across Asia and the Pacific.
Join us in making our 20th Anniversary unforgettable. Secure your place as a valued sponsor of the APCOM Thailand Equality Gala 2027 and help turn two decades of progress into lasting change.
Interested in sponsoring or partnering with us?
Contact APCOM Foundation today to explore opportunities and make an impact together.
[email protected]
APCOM on Thailand Marriage Equality
