‘Like a bridge that connects us’: Pride parade comes to Bangkok amid new hope for LGBT rights

Event returns for first time in many years on Sunday as city appoints governor vocal in supporting LGBT community

Kath Khangpiboon has seen many joyful Pride parades abroad. She has watched in Spain and Canada as young people and families joined celebrations under the rainbow flag. Now, she is looking forward to seeing Pride in her city: Bangkok.

I feel so much pride that an activity like this is happening," says Kath, who is a lecturer at Thammasat University and a trans activist. Bangkok Naruemit Pride on 5 June - believed to be the first official Pride parade in the Silom area of Thailand's capital for more than 15 years - comes as the city appoints its new governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, an independent politician who has been vocal in his support for LGBT rights.