Time To Prepare & Embrace The Pink.
Curating LGBTQ+ Weddings and Experiences in Thailand..
The Thai Royal Gazette announced that the Marriage Equality Bill will become law in January 2025.
Now is the perfect time for wedding planners and tour operators to embrace both LGBTQ+ weddings and group travel experiences.
LGBTQ+ Travel and Destination Weddings Need a Tailored Approach in Thailand.
LGBTQ+ travel is growing rapidly, and it's distinct from standard group travel for a number of important reasons. It’s not just about offering a holiday; it's about creating safe, inclusive, and meaningful experiences. For Thai companies, particularly in the tourism and events sectors, recognising and catering to the needs of LGBTQ+ travellers is crucial—especially now that Thailand is on the cusp of legalising same-sex marriage.
#LGBTQ+ Travel: What Sets It Apart?
LGBTQ+ travellers face unique challenges that traditional group travel doesn’t always address. Safety is a prime concern, as some destinations are not legally or socially accepting of LGBTQ+ identities.
Travellers are often looking for countries and experiences where they feel safe and welcome.Thailand, with its open-minded attitude and beautiful destinations, is well-positioned to cater to this demographic.
However, Thai companies must actively ensure their services are inclusive, from hotels to tours. This means more than just being “gay-friendly”—it’s about offering experiences that celebrate diversity, whether that’s recommending inclusive accommodation, guiding travellers to LGBTQ+-friendly venues, or crafting tailored experiences that reflect the community’s needs.
LGBTQ+ travel often emphasises community, connection, and shared experiences, which typical group travel doesn’t always prioritise. There’s a growing demand for trips that offer LGBTQ+ history tours, cultural immersion, and safe spaces where travellers can relax without fear of judgment. Thai companies need to tap into this demand by offering packages that include these elements and ensuring staff are trained to be sensitive and welcoming to all guests.
The Growing Need for LGBTQ+ Destination Weddings
As Thailand prepares to legalise same-sex marriage, it will inevitably see a rise in LGBTQ+ destination weddings, but simply offering the same wedding services to LGBTQ+ couples as to heterosexual ones won’t be enough. The needs of LGBTQ+ couples are different, and Thai businesses must develop services specifically for this growing market.
Firstly, legal recognition is a key consideration. LGBTQ+ couples need clarity on the legal process in Thailand, including what documentation is required and how their marriage will be recognised internationally.
Clear, honest communication will help couples plan their weddings without unnecessary stress.
Secondly, inclusivity in every aspect of the wedding is crucial. Couples want to know that their vendors, from the venue to the florist, are genuinely welcoming and understand their needs.
Traditional wedding packages often include heteronormative customs, but LGBTQ+ couples may prefer ceremonies that use gender-neutral language or avoid certain traditions. Thai companies should offer tailored packages, ensuring couples can personalise their day to reflect their identities.
The Pink Economy, if curated for properly, opens a significant opportunity for the country’s hospitality and events industries. Offering inclusive services isn’t just a marketing strategy; it’s a necessity for keeping up with global trends in travel and tourism.
The LGBTQ+ travel market is one of the fastest-growing, and destination weddings are a major part of that.
For companies, this means building a reputation as an LGBTQ+-friendly business.
Training staff to be inclusive, ensuring venues are welcoming, and avoiding heteronormative assumptions are essential steps. Additionally, businesses can create meaningful, inclusive experiences, such as multi-day retreats or post-wedding travel packages tailored to LGBTQ+ couples.
Companies must understand the unique needs of LGBTQ+ travellers and couples and adapt their services accordingly.
It's time to embrace this change and lead the way with inclusive, diverse experiences. Thailand, as a leading destination for the Pink Economy, provides exceptional opportunities for celebrations, luxury retreats, and adventurous group activities.
Team Spirit Thailand has been focusing on new options for adventure experiences, immersive group activities and sustainable practices, businesses can attract this growing market while promoting sustainable options, inclusivity and diversity.
Here are a few examples of how Rayong, Chonburi and Hua Hin offer unique options for LGBTQ+ travellers seeking the perfect blend of adventure, luxury, and sustainability.
1. Rayong: Cultural Adventures and Eco-Friendly Escapes.
Rayong’s diverse, natural beauty makes it an ideal destination for LGBTQ+ groups seeking both cultural immersion and eco-friendly adventure. For wedding planners, Rayong offers tranquil beachfront settings for intimate ceremonies, while tour operators can create experiences focused on the region’s cultural heritage, such as visits to local weaving villages and botanical gardens.
Beyond weddings, LGBTQ+ travellers can engage in outdoor activities like exploring Rayong’s mangrove forests, hiking trails, or a wellness retreat honeymoon at eco-resorts. This combination of adventure and relaxation makes Rayong a prime location for those seeking romantic yet sustainable, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
2. Chonburi: Coastal Retreats and Thrilling Activities.
Chonburi, away from the bustling scenes of well known Pattaya, offers LGBTQ+ travellers a range of options, from serene beaches like Bang Saen to vibrant cultural activities and incredible food. Wedding planners can curate beachside celebrations that focus on local traditions and sustainable practices, while group travellers can enjoy a variety of activities such as cycling through the countryside or exploring local markets rich with Thai craftsmanship and discover a true foodie's paradise.
Chonburi’s appeal lies in its balance between tranquillity and excitement. Travellers can relax in luxury coastal resorts or engage in water sports, making it an ideal spot for both weddings and group adventure trips. By focusing on locally sourced, sustainable offerings, tour operators can ensure that the experiences are responsible and impactful.
3. Hua Hin: Wellness, Luxury, and Sustainable Exploration.
Hua Hin offers the perfect fusion of luxury, wellness, and sustainability. For LGBTQ+ weddings, its elegant resorts provide stunning venues with a commitment to eco-friendly practices, ensuring that celebrations have minimal environmental impact. However, Hua Hin’s charm extends beyond weddings, with group travellers able to indulge in vineyard tours, spa experiences, and nature-based activities such as exploring the lush landscapes of nearby national parks.
Hua Hin’s focus on wellness and mindfulness makes it ideal for LGBTQ+ travellers looking to combine luxury with sustainability. Its strong royal heritage and serene coastal beauty provide the backdrop for both celebratory gatherings and immersive group travel experiences that emphasise responsible tourism.
HILTON Hotels in Rayong, Hua Hin and Chonburi offer sustainable practices, carbon offsets and a wide range of amenities at their properties.
Need HELP?
Team Spirit Thailand is working with experts and psychological teams, offering Inclusivity training and product development services that help businesses integrate gender equality and diversity into their operations.
Email us if you're interested in more information; events@teamspiritthailand.com
INTRIGUE MADVERSE SUMMIT BANGKOK 2024
NEW EVENT FOR INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS IN BKK
NETWORKING, INNOVATION, FUN, EXHIBITS & MORE
NETWORKING, INNOVATION, FUN, EXHIBITS & MORE
TEAM SPIRIT THAILAND is proud to be part of the Intrigue MAdVerse Summit taking place in Bangkok 22nd August 2024 at The Ambassador Hotel.
Find out more and get your tickets here; https://www.intriguesummit.com/intrigue-madverse-bangkok-2024
NETWORKING, INNOVATION, FUN, EXHIBITS & MORE
NETWORKING, INNOVATION, FUN, EXHIBITS & MORE
NETWORKING, INNOVATION, FUN, EXHIBITS & MORE
Join the Intrigue MAdVerse Summit in Bangkok this August for an enriching experience filled with networking opportunities and insightful discussions.
The full day event will be a mix of panels covering topics such as marketing trends, storytelling, personalising services and generative AI.
The audience will have a chance to ask the CEOs and executives direct questions during the Q&A sessions.
Meet and Greet opportunities will take place during a networking lunch and the evening cocktail reception.
Top Reasons to Attend the Intrigue MAdVerse Summit:
1. Networking: Connect with industry leaders and peers.
2. Insights: Gain valuable knowledge from expert speakers.
3. Innovation: Discover the latest trends and technologies.
4. Exhibits: Explore cutting-edge products and services.
5. Fun: Enjoy an unforgettable experience!
6. Keynote Speakers: Don't miss talks from industry visionaries and thought leaders!
We look forward to seeing you there!
CHANGING ROOM PROJECT - EVENT DETAILS
From Singapore to Bangkok’s Ari Neighbourhood: A Weekend of Creativity, Sustainability, and Communit
Singapore-based Two Glasses LLP (“Two Glasses”), co-founded by the Thai recipient of an extremely competitive grant from the National Geographic Society, is the first known business in the world to use somatic therapies and psychodynamic-informed events to change people's outlook on fast fashion. Its co founder, Thammika Songkaeo is thrilled to announce a landmark event to ignite the vibrant neighborhood of Ari on August 17 and 18, 2024: a two-day bash at People of Ari’s White Box, promising to be a spectacular fusion of culture, creativity, and community, where locals and visitors alike can immerse themselves in unique events all centered around the theme of clothing.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
[EVENT 1]
(ONLY 17 SPOTS per session)
Mindful Movement Somatic Meditation — Photo-documented
Dive into your personal connection with your body and clothing and see it all later in photos by our world-class photographer. Come join us for a unique experience of mindful somatic meditation and movement where we will explore the mind-body connection through gentle movements and meditation practices to discover how your clothing choices reflect and influence your inner world.
Our professional Theatre and Dance photographer, Crispian Chan, whose work has been in The Guardian and The New York Times, will photo-document your journey's essence.
No prior experience is required — just bring an open mind and a willingness to connect with your body and breath. Let's embark on this meditative adventure together!
Session Dates and Times:
o Sat, Aug 17, 2024, 09:15 AM – 10:45 AM
o Sat, Aug 17, 2024, 11:15 AM - 12:45 PM
o Sun, Aug 18, 2024, 09:15 AM – 10:45 AM
o Sun, Aug 18, 2024, 11:15 AM - 12:45 PM
[EVENT 2]
Meet NatGeo Explorers for a Special Trivia on Marine Life!
Dive into fun! We're doing a special, good-vibes-only trivia uncovering the connections between your clothes and the ocean's creatures! Join Thammika Songkaeo and Watcharapong (Win) Hongjamrassilp — upbeat, hilarious, bilingual Thai National Geographic Explorers — during a special trivia afternoon that uncovers the hidden connections between clothing and marine life, featuring content on some of your favorite creatures.
Whether you're a family, group of ocean-lover friends, or a corporate team, this trivia will enlarge your knowledge with exciting and eye-opening questions (and answers) about what our clothing on land really does to oceans. Get expert insights and gain unique perspectives from National Geographic Explorers who will share their firsthand experiences working against fast fashion and for marine life.
Learn how everyday clothing choices affect marine life and what you can do to make a difference.
Come and compete in teams of 2-5 people, with chances to win eco-evaluated prizes from our sponsor and connect with fellow eco-conscious individuals and organizations passionate about protecting our planet.
Session Dates and Times:
o Sat, Aug 17, 2024, 1:30 - 2:45 PM
o Sun, Aug 18, 2024, 1:30 - 2:45 PM
[EVENT 3]
Fabric of Legacy: A Reflective Ceremony for Passing Down Clothing
Whether you’re a new or seasoned parent, join us to experience a ceremony and community of reflection on clothing you’d like to pass down to your child.
Thammika Songkaeo, a writer whose novel was snatched by Penguin Random House for a 2025 reveal and the Producer of this special weekend, will guide you through a reflective writing journey, ending with a gift in poetry or prose you can bring home to your child. In addition to your own journaling, meet like-minded parents who care about the sustainability of clothing for their children. Together, we will engage in discussions and get to know one another.
Please feel free to bring your children if you need to. This event promises to be a heartwarming and memorable experience, fostering connections and leaving a legacy through the fabric of our lives.
Session Dates and Times:
o Sat, Aug 17, 2024, 03:30 PM – 4:45 PM
o Sun, Aug 18, 2024, 03:30 PM - 4:45 PM
[EVENT 4]
Reflections in Motion: Changing Room Film Screening and Somatic Practice
Join us for an insightful evening that combines the art of film and the practice of somatic movement. Our event features the screening of Changing Room, a thought provoking short film that delves into the intricate relationship between fast fashion, body image, and self-perception. This film challenges the notion that clothing can fill the voids or address the surpluses we perceive in our bodies, posing a critical question: Can we end our dependence on clothes if we are not first satisfied with ourselves?
Film Synopsis:
While many projects have pronounced fast fashion a climate change villain, Changing Room brings home how that villain is connected to our inner selves. It explores the harsh judgments many place on their bodies and the hope that clothes will solve these perceived issues.
Post-Screening Somatic Practice:
Following the film, audiences will be guided through a somatic practice by Adelene Stanley — world-class Movement Artist and an expert in movement-for-wellness. This practice is designed to help participants explore the tensions, spaces, and connections in their mind-body relationship. By engaging in this somatic exploration, participants can ultimately learn to flourish in their bodies, embracing a more holistic sense of self.
Session Dates and Times:
o Sat, Aug 17, 2024, 06:00 PM – 8:15 PM
o Sun, Aug 18, 2024, 06:00 PM - 8:15 PM
*** Changing Room’s two-day bash is set to become a cornerstone of psychology-based approaches to sustainability-based conversations in Bangkok, offering a perfect opportunity for participants to connect with global talents, themselves, and one another amid a weekend full of entertainment and inspiration.
"We're excited to bring together such a vibrant mix of activities and experiences for this event," said Thammika Songkaeo, Producer of Changing Room and Two Glasses LLP co founder. "Ari is known for its artistic and community-oriented vibe, and we wanted to create an event that truly reflects that. It's going to be a weekend to remember!"
About Team Members:
Thammika Songkaeo
Thammika Songkaeo is one of a few Thai National Geographic Explorers in the world, and only one of two specializing in the impact of clothing on the environment. Through Two Glasses LLP, she designs experiences that transform how people think and feel about their identity and planetary mayhem. She is the Producer of Changing Room, a dance film that asks, "What does criticizing our bodies have to do with climate change?" and its global experiential screenings that utilize somatic practices and guided journaling (its final screening in Singapore was sold out). Her social science work has been referenced by Brookings Institution and The Journal of Southeast Asian Human Rights. Deeply interested in human psychology as a catalyst for change, she is also a Systems Psychodynamics Executive Coach for sustainability-minded professionals and teams, working with clients globally.
Crispian Chan
Crispian Chan is an actor and stage photographer with almost 20 years of experience in the performing arts. Drawn to storytelling and the connection between people, he brings his experiences and training as an actor/director into his photography. As a stage photographer, Crispian has worked with several performing arts companies and arts organizations, such as Esplanade - Theatres by the Bay,
Singapore International Festival of Arts, and Singapore Repertory Theatre. His photography has been featured in the Georgetown Arts Festival (Penang) and in publications such as The Straits Times, The Guardian, and The New York Times.
Adelene Stanley
Adelene is a movement artist, choreographer, program curator, producer & founder of The Dance Circus (TDC), based in Singapore. Her choreographies have been featured at the Royal Opera House Linbury Theatre as well as Lilian Baylis Theatre at Sadler’s Wells in UK. In addition, her recent portfolio showcases new works commissioned by brands such as Hermès, Porsche, Bvlgari & Shiseido.
She is an award-winning artist who worked on a touring show called INALA — in collaboration with 5-time Grammy Award winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo, 3- time Grammy Award winners Soweto Gospel Choir, choreographer Mark Baldwin OBE, and dancers from The Royal Ballet and Rambert Dance Company. In addition to the tours around the United Kingdom, Russia, China & Singapore, Adelene has had the opportunity to perform at the Royal Albert Hall in 2019 and in front of the British Royal Family during the Royal Variety Performance in 2014.
Beyond the stage, Adelene is passionate about the transformational power of dance. She aims to spread the joy of movement to everyone regardless of age and ability and is committed to create ground-breaking work that shapes the dance wellness scene in Singapore.
Team Spirit Thailand and The HOME BKK are excited to be joining this inspiring project and have arranged a special discount for Groups and Access All Area tickets.
Use Promo Code: TEAMSPIRIT
For Tickets: www.ticketmelon.com/changingroomproject
Tickets range from 750THB to 1550THB.
Media Contact:
Erin Gunanto
Head of Communications
Changing Room
Email: erin@changingroomproject.com
Follow on IG: @changingroomproject
Changing Room workshop info.