Fridae

The White Party Bangkok is ultimately a Gay Dance Party - but this year, it also represented much more for the region’s LGBT Community.  With so many negative developments for the LGBT Community in neighbouring countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and Myanmar, Thailand is a beacon of light.  The White Party was supported by The Tourism Authority of Thailand, an acknowledgement of the importance of LGBT Tourism for the Country and just a few days before the end of the year Thailand’s Cabinet paved the way for the introduction of same-sex Civil Partnership legislation.

 At the Countdown to 2019, the theme of Equality and Freedom was an integral part of one the most impressive light and visual shows, and it was moving to see thousands from our Community welcoming in 2019 against this backdrop.

The White Party Bangkok is ultimately a Gay Dance Party - but this year, it also represented much more for the region’s LGBT Community.  With so many negative developments for the LGBT Community in neighbouring countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and Myanmar, Thailand is a beacon of light.  The White Party was supported by The Tourism Authority of Thailand, an acknowledgement of the importance of LGBT Tourism for the Country and just a few days before the end of the year Thailand’s Cabinet paved the way for the introduction of same-sex Civil Partnership legislation.

At the Countdown to 2019, the theme of Equality and Freedom was an integral part of one the most impressive light and visual shows, and it was moving to see thousands from our Community welcoming in 2019 against this backdrop.

The White Party itself was a massive event with thousands of people packing the huge room in Bangkok’s Central World complex.  Given the scale of this event, coupled with the tens of thousands of people outside celebrating the Countdown, the organisation was impressive. Entry to the event was seamless for those with tickets and electronic wrist-bands doubling as ‘bar currency’ meant that there was little plastic or paper wasted (the Party had announced a pro-environment approach).  The atmosphere was friendly and magical with so many from all over the world welcoming in 2019.  The only one downside for me was that the White Party has become a victim of its own success and it was quite crowded and hot - and may need a bigger venue for future events.  That said, the sound lights and shows were amazing and it was great to see the link to a message of Equality and Freedom for our Community.

The Party had two halls - the main hall and the smaller anthems hall – and it was great to see Thailand’s own DJ Spectrum K rocking the Arena Hall with his special brand of energy and anthems.  For an event with such importance for Thailand, DJ Spectrum K did Thailand proud – and I hope to see him on the main stage next year!

In the main hall, Kitty Glitter put on a great show and provided plenty of great music as well as glitter! 

After the spectacular Countdown Show came DJ Sagi Kariv, one of the top Dance Producers, and the crowd loved his set with a great energy in the Hall.

Welcome to a new year – and let’s hope for more positive developments for our Community in 2019!