Thailand is launching a Pink Dollar Initiative, which goes beyond targeting LGBT tourists. In fact, the Thailand Pink Plus Economy hopes to transform its Pink Economy into a sort of “Pink Plus” Economy by diversifying into various lifestyle initiatives – from hi-tech to retirement – targeted at the LGBT community.
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LGBT
Tourism boards around the world have long recognized the purchasing power of the LGBT community. And it is not surprising. According to Entrepreneur, the global purchasing power of the Pink Dollar was valued at US$3.7 trillion in 2019.
On the one hand, Thailand has long been considered one of the world’s most tolerant societies in terms of “sexual minorities”. For example, same-sex sexual activity is legal. In fact, private, adult, consensual, and non-commercial sodomy was decriminalized in Thailand in 1956.
PHUKET RESORT WELCOMES LGBT TRAVELERS!
On the other hand, same-sex marriages remain illegal. However, legislation that would legalize same-sex marriage is currently pending.
To clarify, such legislation was passed by the lower house of the country’s legislature on 27 March 2024. It will need to pass the upper house and receive royal endorsement to become law.
Isn’t it about time?
Marriage Equality – a Global Perspective
The Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriages in 2001. Since then, more than 35 other countries around the world have followed suit.
According to Wikipedia.com, as of May 2024, “marriage between same-sex couples is legally performed and recognized in 37 countries, with a population of 1.4 billion people”. But this accounts for less the 20% of the world’s population.
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Taiwan was the first jurisdiction in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, which it did in 2019. Nepal is the only other Asian jurisdiction to recognize same-sex unions, which it did on 24 April 2024.
Will Thailand become Number Three?
Thailand Pink Plus Economy
But I digress. Getting back to Thailand, the Land of Smiles is about to take a giant step forward, which it hopes will turn the country into a sort of Gay Mecca.
Its proposed Thailand Pink Plus Economy will go far beyond the promotion of gay-friendly tourism.
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The government-owned Borderless.lgbt describes itself as the world’s first dedicated health and wellness cloud targeting the needs of global LGBT communities.
It is spearheading a comprehensive Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) “ecosystem,” which will support LGBT communities in terms of living, family planning, and retirement in the Land of Smiles.
Thailand Privilege
Borderless.lgbt is leading the charge to transform the Pink Economy into the Thailand Pink Plus Economy with new initiatives that will include the following:
- Inclusive medical tourism,
- Retirement,
- Family planning,
- Pink tech incubation,
- Pink film virtual production.
The initiative will be supported through the launch of Thailand Privilege, a state-owned enterprise dedicated to providing long-stay visas to the LGBT community.
With the likely legalization of same-sex marriage and upcoming policies to support LGBT family planning in Thailand, the Kingdom is poised to become an important hub for global DEI initiatives, the body says.
Thailand is positioned to support more than 200 million LGBT individuals within its proximity to wed, live, play, innovate, plan a family, and retire in the country.
Pink Plus Membership Packages
Supported by Thailand Privilege, Borderless.lgbt will offer a series of “Pink Plus” membership packages with multi-merchant offerings including the following:
- Thailand Privilege card,
- State-of-the-art immersive telemedicine platform with renowned medical experts,
- Shopping vouchers,
- Retirement living programs,
- Pink tech innovation workshops,
- Family wellness support,
- Dedicated financial planning services,
- Home buying/leasing support,
- Exclusive resort staycations, which will be rolled out for distribution via global resellers.
“We are very excited to be part of the journey of how Thailand transforms itself to be a global DEI hub,” says Manatase Annawat, President of Thailand Privilege.
“Living in Thailand can now come with inclusive lifestyle, wellness, and innovation.”
Global Reseller Network
As part of the Thailand Pink Plus Economy, Borderless.lgbt is welcoming aspiring entrepreneurs and enterprises from around the world to join the global reseller network to distribute the unique “Pink Plus” membership packages.
The successful trainee who passes the training and DEI assessment will be awarded a certificate of attendance which will entitle him/her the right to distribute selected Pink Plus” packages in accordance to the assessment scores.
As part of the effort to catalyse the pink innovation in Thailand, Borderless.lgbt has started to call for inclusive ideas in health tech, artificial intelligence, fintech, retirement living concepts, film making, and new business ideas as part of Thailand’s transformation into a DEI hub.
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A DEI-focused venue has already been established in Yaowarat, a heritage section of Bangkok, as a “Pink Incubator” to support, mentor, and network inclusive startups.
A high-tech call centre with a soundproof concierge suite to serve Pink Plus members has also been established Thonglor, one of the Big Mango’s trendiest neighborhoods.
In addition, Borderless.lgbt will also be launching an AI-enabled avatar to serve clients’ enquires in different languages.
Thailand Elite
On the surface, there seem to be similarities between the Pink Plus initiative and Thailand Elite, which was launched in 2003 as Asia’s first “residence by investment program”.
Also a government owned program, Thailand Elite has attracted tens of thousands of members since its launch.
In addition to a long-term visa with unlimited entries, Thailand Elite members enjoy a series of advantages reserved exclusively for members. These include:
- Five-year renewable multi-entry visas,
- Airport assistance,
- Priority queue at immigration,
- (24/7 concierge services,
- Many other services depending of membership level.
To clarify, there are five, 10, 15, and 20 year memberships. Membership fees start at 900,000 baht for a five-year membership. which is roughly US$25,000.
An important questions remains unanswered. What will the requirements be to qualify for membership in the Thailand Pink Plus Economy initiative? Will it be targeted at the wealthy, or will middle and lower-income individuals also be included?
ASSISTANCE SUPPORT PROPOSAL.
Dear [Organization/Individual’s Name],
Hello , i hope this letter finds well,
My name is Jonathan, and I am writing to you as a queer refugee from Uganda currently residing in Kenya. I fled my homeland back in 2019 due to consistent persecutions that posed a serious threat to my life. After spending three years in the Kakuma refugee camp, I was relocated to Nairobi in an attempt to escape further persecution and death threats. Unfortunately, life in Nairobi has proven to be equally challenging, if not more so, as finding employment as an LGBTIQ refugee in a homophobic community is nearly impossible.
I am reaching out to you today with a humble request for any assistance you may be able to provide to me and the people I care about. The difficulties I face in my daily life include securing a better shelter, obtaining regular meals, accessing necessary medical care, acquiring suitable clothing, and meeting other basic social needs. These circumstances have placed a significant burden on my well-being, leaving me in a vulnerable position.
I understand that you might strong commitment to supporting marginalized communities and individuals in need. Therefore, I kindly request your consideration in providing any form of assistance that you may deem appropriate. Whether it is financial aid, access to employment opportunities, connections to support networks, or any other support services, I am grateful for any assistance you can extend.
I firmly believe that by providing assistance, you will not only be helping me but also contributing to the betterment of the lives of many individuals who are facing similar challenges. Together, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and compassionate society where all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can live a life free from discrimination and persecution.
I am more than willing to provide any additional information or documentation that may be required to support my request. Please feel free to reach me at Email: muhwezijonathan938@gmail.com to discuss any potential collaboration or to arrange a meeting at your convenience.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my request. Your kindness and support will make a significant difference in my life and the lives of those I care for. I remain hopeful that, with your assistance, we can create a brighter future for queer refugees like myself.
Warm regards,
Jonathan
Good luck to you!