Religion and LGBTQ

Thailand is well known to be a very tolerant society. The LGBTQ community are visible in Thailand be this in popular culture as well as urban spaces. This however is a surface level acceptance in Thailand for the same sex community. Under that thin veneer of order lays cultural values, religion and family expectations. These elements shape the acceptance of what you would want to call freedom. Likewise also see the articles that we wrote on Thailand same sex marriage for foreigners as well as the article on same sex partner visa UK.

There is a very fine line between acceptance and ambiguity. Theravāda Buddhism, the predominant religion in Thailand. Religion plays a very significant role in shaping attitudes toward sexuality and gender. Now unlike many Abrahamic religions, Buddhism does not explicitly condemn homosexuality in its core scriptures.

We have seen two issues where Buddhism affects the issue of LGBTQ under historical views in Thailand.

The first was when they where to vote on LGBTQ rights sometime in 2015, The first vote was should Buddhism become the official religion of Thailand. In the government they voted no. Then the next vote was should LGBTQ become legal in Thailand, they voted no. The reason why LGBTQ rights where voted on and lost mainly because people abstained from the vote, was because they did not want to be seen and voting no on Buddhism and yes on LGBTQ rights. This all on the same day. This delayed the passing of the Marriage Equality Act that we have today.

The second time was with the acceptance of a ladyboy as a monk which we wrote about on here. He had to have his implants removed so that he goes back to being a physical man. After doing this he become a monk. We could view this as being that personal spiritual development takes precedence over rigid moral codes. As a result, Thai Buddhism is often described as “tolerant” toward LGBT+ individuals. However since he was no longer a transsexual he could now become a monk.

There are many Buddhist monks and scholars in Thailand view homosexuality as a karmic consequence of past life actions. So they frame it as a condition to be endured rather than celebrated. We could take this as subtle form of marginalization. This by casting LGBT+ identities as spiritual anomalies.

Within the temples in Thailand LGBT+ issues are not openly discussed. Much like the article were we cover from kathoey to monk. They are also barred from entering the monk hood. Likewise this exclusion is rooted in traditional gender roles and the belief that only males can fully pursue monastic life.

Asia has a massive face culture. Some people don’t get divorced and live separate lives simply because they will lose face if they divorce. Family in Thailand holds central importance, often carrying more weight than individual desires. There is always this need and expectations that people will get married and produce children. These pressures are intensified by the cultural concept of rak sa naa—or maintaining face—where social reputation and public perception are paramount.

One can’t understand the amount of pressure that parents may feel shame or fear gossip from neighbors and extended family. The issues of one of your children being gay leads to emotional tension, denial, or even attempts to ‘correct’ their child’s sexuality.

In this environment, silence and ambiguity often become coping mechanisms. Families may know or suspect a child’s orientation but choose not to acknowledge it openly. Likewise they might also create an unspoken arrangement that preserves family harmony at the cost of personal authenticity.

How this plays out depends on where you live. Ina n urban center there might be more gay people so the pressure on the parents becomes less. This we see especially in urban areas with higher exposure to diversity, are increasingly supportive of their LGBT+ children.

LGBT in Rural vs. Urban Areas: A Tale of Two Realities

The lived experience for those of the LGBTQ community has a different view of the world, depending if the town is rural or urban. Places like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya has a diverse community as the LGBTQ tend to gather in certain areas. In these areas they tend to find grater acceptance and anonymity. There is also more opportunities for transsexual people such as the entertainment industry or fashion or tourism industries.

There is not much tolerance in areas such as Isaan or the Muslim-majority South. You will find that in these areas , many LGBT+ individuals often face greater social scrutiny. The cultural conservatism remains stronger in these areas.

However, it is important not to romanticize or demonize either setting. In some rural communities, individuals who are perceived as embodying a ‘third gender’ may be accepted. This if they fulfill expected social roles—such as caregiving or performing in cultural ceremonies. Yet this acceptance is conditional and often limited to specific contexts, lacking the broader legal and societal support needed for full equality. See the issues under the article called LGBTQ in Thailand for more.

I once said that in recent years we have seen a change in Thai media. There has been a rise of Boys’ Love (BL) television dramas in Thailand. These shows, which focus on romantic relationships between male characters. These have now joined the mainstream hits both domestically and across Asia. Lests look at some of the title, such as SOTUS, 2gether: The Series, and KinnPorsche. These have created new fan bases.

What these drams have done was to bring same-sex relationships into the cultural mainstream. They challenge the invisibility of gay love and offer narratives. These much like other movies and shows are centered around emotional intimacy, conflict, and growth. This brings LGBTQ issues into the cultural mainstream.

These movie don’t come without their criticism. Many of the BL series are produced for a primarily heterosexual female audience. These prioritize aesthetics over authenticity. Likewise characters are frequently idealized, and the complexities of real-world LGBT+ experiences. These include but not limited to discrimination, coming out, or dealing with family rejection. These are the most common issues which society often sanitize or ignored.

The commodification of gay romance in BL series also does raise concerns about exploitation. This where queer representation is driven more by profit than advocacy. This could very well reinforce stereotypes or trivializes real struggles. See the writings on LGBTQ and the Media in Thailand on this website as well. 

Thailand has produced a number of openly gay and transgender celebrities, including singers, actors, and television personalities. Figures like Ruj Rawich, Pangina Heals (of RuPaul’s Drag Race fame), and film director Tanwarin Sukkhapisit have helped normalize queer visibility and inspired LGBT+ youth.

However, coming out remains a calculated risk in Thai show business. Many celebrities delay or avoid publicly disclosing their sexual orientation due to fears of career backlash, loss of sponsorships, or alienating fans. Some entertainment agencies even advise their clients to remain ambiguous or market themselves as heterosexual to appeal to wider audiences.

Despite these limitations, there are positive signs. In recent years, several high-profile celebrities have come out and received overwhelming support from fans and colleagues. This shift suggests a growing acceptance in the public sphere, especially among younger demographics who are more vocal about diversity and inclusivity.

Media Censorship: Between Freedom and Restriction

The media landscape in Thailand operates mainly on self-censorship and regulatory frame works. There is still a subtle form of regulation with regards to LGBTQ regulation in the media. As an example they will bleep out words. An example was a few years ago they had a gay man on television was interviewed. The active word bleeped out was “anal”. It was very difficult to watch with so many bleeps.

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and film rating boards play a significant role in determining what can be shown on television and in cinemas. As an example when it comes to LGBT+ themes. Those involving sex, are often rated more strictly than their heterosexual counterparts. Scenes of intimacy between same-sex characters may be edited out or limited to a specific time slot.

The internet has provided a bit of a partial workaround. Likewise online streaming platforms such as LINE TV, GMMTV, and YouTube. These platforms allow for more creative freedom. Likewise its become important venues for BL content and queer storytelling. Nevertheless, these platforms are also vulnerable to state pressure, and creators often tread carefully. Lastly also see the same sex prenuptial agreement in Thailand.

Thailand offers a unique paradox. Its a society where LGBT+ individuals are visible and celebrated. The tolerance rooted in Buddhist beliefs, while preferable to outright rejection. These often stops short of embracing queer identities as equal and normal. Likewise cultural expectations around family, marriage, and gender roles further complicate the picture. This particularly in rural areas where tradition holds sway.

Likewise at the same time, the explosion of queer representation in media. These particularly through BL dramas has changed the cultural landscape. Likewise these portrayals offer both hope and challenges. While they validate LGBT+ existence, they can also reinforce stereotypes and sideline more complex, authentic narratives.

Firstly greater representation alone is not enough to solve any of the issues. What is needed is a cultural shift that moves from passive tolerance to active inclusion. The one that challenges traditional norms, empowers queer voices, and embraces diversity as a national strength rather than a deviation.

Finally in the end, real change will require more than just visibility. It will require education, legislation, and a reimagining of cultural values. Only then can Thailand truly fulfill its promise as a country of both acceptance and equality for all its people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Lastly also see the gender equality in Thailand as well as the UK same sex partner visa.