Silom Road was packed. I don't think anyone -- not even the organisers -- anticipated such a scene. What a turnout it was on the first Sunday of June when crowds flocked to the area to join the Pride parade. There was music and dancing. Lady Gaga's Born This Way blasted from the stereo. Feathers and sequins sparkled in the late afternoon sun. And in the midst of all the fun, there were voices of the people calling for marriage equality, sex workers' rights and the fall of patriarchy. For equal rights. For equality.
Bangkok Naruemit Pride was perhaps the largest Pride event in Bangkok in recent memory -- and what a diverse crowd it was. Foreigners and Thais, tourists, locals, politicians, activists, beauty queens and influencers were all there. Two women in bridal dresses made Silom their aisle and altar when they wed among the people. There were children cheering on the side as drag queens passed by. The new Bangkok governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, joined in the parade and was followed by a throng of press and admirers. People walked, rode on wheelchairs and some hitched a ride on a convertible. For a day, Silom Road belonged to everyone.
