Bangkok, Thailand – 21 April 2026 – The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in collaboration with APCOM Foundation, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Bangkok Pride, GIRLxGIRL, SCBX Next Tech, Baturu, and the Rights and Liberty Protection Department, today officially launched IDAHOBIT 2026: “At the Heart of Democracy” – The Journey from Amsterdam to Bangkok.
This landmark initiative highlights the global journey toward equality and inclusion, connecting Amsterdam and Bangkok through a shared commitment to human rights, dignity, and diversity. The programme will take place from 15–18 May 2026 at SCBX Next Tech, 4th Floor, Siam Paragon, Bangkok.
The event comes at a significant moment as Thailand marks the first anniversary of its Marriage Equality Law, becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize marriage equality, while the Netherlands continues its global leadership as the first country in the world to have done so in 2001.
As part of the programme, the Embassy of the Netherlands will present the internationally renowned Amsterdam Rainbow Dress, a powerful 16-metre-wide artwork made from the flags of more than 60 countries where homosexuality remains criminalized. The installation serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ communities worldwide.
APCOM Foundation will also showcase the 10th anniversary of the HERO Awards, highlighting outstanding HIV and LGBTIQ+ advocates across Asia and the Pacific through a photo exhibition and regional dialogues, including voices from countries where LGBTIQ+ people continue to face criminalization.
The four-day programme will include:
- Opening reception and exhibition launch
- Community-led panel discussions
- Regional dialogues on LGBTIQ+ rights and inclusion
- Thematic panels on criminalization, advocacy, and community leadership
This initiative also contributes to positioning Thailand as a regional leader in advancing LGBTIQ+ human rights, in the lead-up to WorldPride 2026 in Amsterdam and Thailand’s bid to host WorldPride 2030. It further aligns with Thailand’s role as host of the InterPride General Meeting & World Conference 2026 in Phuket, marking the first time the global gathering will be held in Asia.
Through this collaboration, partners aim to amplify voices, strengthen regional solidarity, and promote inclusive societies where everyone can live with dignity and equal rights.
Programme Highlights led by APCOM
IDAHOBIT 2026: “At the Heart of Democracy”
The Journey from Amsterdam to Bangkok (15 and 18 May 2026)
From 15–18 May 2026, IDAHOBIT 2026 convened partners, community leaders, and regional stakeholders in Bangkok to advance LGBTQI+ rights and inclusion. APCOM led the programme on 15 and 18 May, facilitating key discussions that spanned Thai community engagement and regional dialogues on decriminalisation, displacement, and resilience across Asia and the Pacific.
Below, we summarise the highlights from each day.
Friday 15 May 2026
Venue: SCBX Next Tech, Siam Paragon | 13:00 – 17:30
(Conducted in Thai)
APCOM led the opening day of IDAHOBIT 2026, bringing together partners and communities to launch “At the Heart of Democracy” in Bangkok.
Film Screenings & Showcases
(13:00 – 14:35)
The programme opened with a series of screenings, including AEK’s Love Story, the APCOM HERO Awards documentary, and stories on inclusive workplaces, highlighting journeys of love, identity, and equality.
Opening Ceremony & Keynote
(15:00 – 15:40)
Following a break, the session resumed with a traditional Thai Klong Yao performance and a keynote by Naina Supapung (FOR-SOGI Foundation), emphasizing the journey toward dignity and inclusion.
Thai Community Networks Discussion on From Existence to Dignity: IDAHOBIT 2026: At the Heart of Democracy
(15:45 – 16:40)
This session brings together Kittinan Daramadhaj (RSAT), Gunh Gulattaphinya (Mister Gay World Thailand 2025), Representative from Deaf Thai Rainbow Club, Representative from GIRLXGIRL, and Napat Kruthai (APCOM), sharing perspectives on inclusion across diverse Thai communities.
Candlelight Vigil
(16:40 – 17:00)
The day concluded with a candlelight vigil led by Khun Naina Supapung, honoring those affected by stigma and discrimination, and reinforcing remembrance and solidarity.
Reception: Opening of the Rainbow Dress Exhibition
(18:00 – 21:00)
The evening continued with an exclusive reception and violin performance to mark the opening of the Rainbow Dress Exhibition. This session was by invitation only.
Monday 18 May 2026
Venue: SCBX Next Tech, Siam Paragon | 11:00 – 18:30
(Conducted in English)
APCOM led a full day of regional dialogue, convening diverse voices to address decriminalisation, displacement, and community resilience across Asia and the Pacific.
Decriminalisation in Asia Pacific: Are we moving forward?
(11:00 – 12:30)
Featured remarks by Ambassador Remco van Wijngaarden from the Embassy of the Netherlands and Midnight Poonkasetwattana, Executive Director from ACPOM, with a keynote by Prof. Vitit Muntarbhorn, Professor Emeritus at the Faculty of Law, Chulalongkorn University. The panel included Rosanna Flamer-Caldera (Sri Lanka), Founder and Executive Director of EQUAL GROUND; Numan Afifi (Malaysia), Senior Policy and Research Officer (APCOM); and Saw Zin Maung Soe (Cicer) (Myanmar), Founder of CAN Myanmar—highlighting progress and ongoing legal challenges.
Don’t leave us behind: Struggles for LGBTQI+ Refugees and Asylum Seekers
(14:00 – 15:30)
This session is conducted in partnership with APRRN (Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network) which APCOM is a member of, and includes contributions from Klaus Dik Nielsen (APRRN Co-Secretary General) and their partners based in Bangkok.
TENAC10US HERO Awards: Celebrating 10 Years of Community Recognition
(17:00 – 18:30)
Closed the day with a keynote by Nareeluc Pairchaiyapoom from Thailand’s Ministry of Justice, and a panel of HERO Award recipients from 2025:
- Andrew Tan (2025 HIV Hero)
- Miranda Poolpakdee (2025 Business Ally)
- Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat (2025 Social Justice Hero)
Together, the sessions reinforced the importance of advocacy, visibility, and regional solidarity.
We warmly invite everyone to continue engaging with APCOM’s work and join us in advancing equality, dignity, and human rights for LGBTQI+ communities across Asia and the Pacific.
