Richard AmmonThailand is one of the most strongly Buddhist countries in the world. The national religion is Theravada Buddhism which is practiced by more than 95% of all Thais. This partially accounts for the high tolerance level of gay life in Bangkok. Buddhism does not overtly condemn homosexuality as do Christianity, Islam and Judaism.
Gay Bangkok is alive and well–too well for some who criticize the laissez-faire cultural attitude that looks the other way at sex-for-pay and widespread HIV infection.
From 1999 to 2007 there was a colorful Gay Pride Parade and Festival every November but that has ended due to interpersonal squabbles and disagreements among business people who supported the event. (See this commentary: Bye-Bye Bangkok Pride)
Read the stories about Gay Thailand
