AYUTTHAYA — 15 June 2026, the World Heritage city was transformed from the historic ancient capital into a vibrant rainbow runway during “Ayutthaya Pride 2026,” a festival of pride organized with full-scale dedication, as the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) opened a platform for equality and spreading love to people of all genders and ages under the concept “Pride Across Time.”
The event was presided over by Somsong Phancharoenworakul, chairwoman of the Ayutthaya PAO. She was joined by representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as groups of school and university students and a large gathering of celebrities, who all came together to add vibrant colours and showcase the power of equality.
Beyond celebrating with pride, on this occasion the Ayutthaya Pride community also united to bid a final farewell and express their condolences for Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita, in profound gratitude for Her Royal Highness’s boundless benevolence.
During the opening ceremony, a respectful memorial tribute and remembrance were held to express loyalty and honour Her Royal Highness’s benevolence, alongside creative and beautiful displays of empowerment for equality.
LGBTQ+ icons, including Anna Sueangam-iam, Miss Universe Thailand 2022, and Aniwat Prathumthin, known as “Nara Crepe Katoey,” the famous social media influencer, who both strutted down the runway in the ancient capital to confidently showcase their personal expression, were also featured at the event.
Anna shared her thoughts on the event: “For today’s event, I am incredibly honoured to be a part of writing a new chapter in Ayutthaya’s history. The energy from thousands of people today proves that ‘equality’ knows no boundaries. Our culturally rich ancient city is fully ready to embrace diversity and move forward beautifully.”
“I am deeply impressed by the fashion everyone brought to the runway today. Everyone completely unleashed their creativity—from redesigning traditional Thai fabrics into elegant, high-fashion styles, showcasing a powerful soft power, to bold and boundless fantasy outfits. Everyone dared to be confident and proud of who they are. I truly believe this positive energy and these vibrant colours are the very soft power that will make the world look at Ayutthaya and Thailand in a new light—one that is open-minded and inviting,” she said.
Anna summarised her thoughts, saying, “Therefore, Ayutthaya Pride 2026 is not just a one-day celebration, but a major milestone declaring that Ayutthaya is a city of equality, ready to welcome everyone from all nations with endless friendship and love.”
They were joined by a host of stars and celebrities who united to show the power of equality to the world. Additionally, the event marked the official debut of “Nong Saimai,” Ayutthaya’s newly appointed cultural ambassador.
The event concluded with a concert by the legendary diva “Hi” Aphaphorn Nakhonsawan, who shared the power of love through her hit songs, inspiring and boosting pride among the rainbow community and all attendees. It beautifully created a fresh chapter of memories for Ayutthaya, living up to the slogan: “The ancient capital this time… will never be the same again.”
