Security will be prioritised during the city’s Pride event set to take place on June 1, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).
The BMA was responding to a worldwide travel advisory issued by the US Department of State, which called for the country’s nationals to be “vigilant” and “aware” while attending celebrations for Pride Month abroad. It did not mention any specific threats or advise against travel.
City Hall has indicated that security measures have been given importance as part of events taking place in Thailand’s capital.
Bangkok deputy governor Sanon Wangsrangboon said on Saturday that while no official warning had been issued directly to his office, people should “be confident that security is our number one priority”.
Bangkok authorities and police have been tasked with stringently securing Pride Month activities being staged by the BMA on June 1 and June 30. Both dates will feature major parades.
The US alert included a statement from its Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Department of Homeland Security pointing out that “foreign terrorist organisations or supporters may seek to exploit increased gatherings associated with the upcoming June 2024 Pride Month”.
The agencies observed that while no specific threats had been issued, messages among Islamic State disseminated in 2023 included anti-LGBTQ sentiment.
Bangkok Pride, the BMA’s annual Pride Month event, will take place for a third year in a row in June after being initiated in 2022. This year’s theme is “Celebration of Love”.