タイ・プーケットLGBTフェスティバル、11月4-6日に決行

Asia's Biggest Gay Fest Gets Green Light
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff
Posted: August 27, 2005 12:01 am ET

(Phuket City, Thailand) Asia's biggest gay festival got the go-ahead on Friday despite concerns by area residents.

The Nation Party will be held in the Thai resort city of Phuket November 4 - 6 following a meeting between organizers, the Phuket governor and the mayor of the local council.

The annual party, which attracts thousands of people from around the world, was told earlier this year it was not welcome in Singapore.

For four years the Nation Party attracted thousands of gays from throughout Asia to Singapore, but earlier this year the government refused to give organizers a permit after an official linked the party to a spike in HIV/AIDS cases in the city nation.

Phuket officials instantly embraced the festival, but local residents were not so warm to the idea. (story) They cited concerns that the event may create a noise problem and thousands of gays could discourage straight families from vacationing in the area still getting over the effects of the tsunami that hit the area last December.

At a closed door meeting lat this week with Governor Udomsak Uswarangkura and Kata-Karon mayor Thawee Thongcham organizers of the Nation Party agreed to several restrictions including a 1 am closing each night.

Past Nation Parties have been all night events but the restriction means the festival will operate at the same time as other entertainment venues in the city and in Bangkok.

"Phuket has much to offer visitors in terms of hospitality and the city will work closely with the organised to ensure that the event is a successful one," said Governor Uswarangkura in a statement.

In a bid to increase the level of local participation, a working committee will be established comprising representatives from the city, the police, the hotel association and the organizers.

"Having such a large group of international visitors converge upon Phuket in November will also encourage more foreign arrivals in the following months," said Pattanapong Aikwanich, President of the Phuket Tourist Association.

As soon as the first word went out that the Nation Party would be held in the popular Thai resort people began making reservations.

Almost 80 per cent of the rooms at host hotel and party venue, Crowne Plaza Karon Beach Phuket, have already been booked.