Sip with Pride

Phuket’s Chalong Bay distillery toasts Thailand's historic marriage equality law with a limited-edition rum. Here's why you'll want to raise a glass

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Time Out Bangkok in partnership with Chalong BayTuesday July 29 2025

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Pride in Thailand has a powerful new reason to celebrate all year long. On June 18 2024, the country made history, passing a bill to become the first nation in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex marriage – a monumental win for love and equality that sent waves of joy across the kingdom.

Riding that celebratory wave is Phuket’s own Chalong Bay, the craft distillery celebrated for its 100 percent natural Thai sugarcane spirits. To honour this landmark moment, the brand has just dropped its Limited Pride Edition Rum, a pioneering tribute to the LGBTQ+ community and the freedom to love.

As the first Thai liquor brand to create a special bottle for this occasion, Chalong Bay is proving that every toast, every bottle, and every sip can be a meaningful step forward.

Here’s the story behind this spirited celebration.

A personal pour

Photograph: Chalong Bay

The inspiration for this special edition comes straight from the heart. Chinavich ‘Lek’ Ratanachinakorn, co-owner of Chalong Bay and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, sees this rum as an extension of his identity and values. ‘At Chalong Bay, our craft is also our voice,’ Lek explains. ‘The legalisation of same-sex marriage in Thailand is a huge step forward. We’re proud to release our Limited Pride Edition rum as a celebration of love, equality, and the freedom to be yourself.”

Crafted with Thai Pride

Photograph: Chalong Bay

True to its sustainable roots, this rum begins with 100 percent organic Thai sugarcane. The stalks are harvested by hand – never burned – to protect the environment. By working directly with local farmers who champion sustainable agriculture, Chalong Bay ensures that every bottle supports both the planet and the community.

A zesty toast to love

Photograph: Chalong Bay

Using a traditional French copper still, Chalong Bay distills the sugarcane wine infused with the fresh zest of hand-peeled Thai limes. This meticulous process creates a bright, citrusy kick that’s entirely natural, with no artificial additives. The result is a rum that’s as authentic as the community it celebrates.

Sip, celebrate and support

This bottle does more than just taste good – it does good. Chalong Bay is donating three percent of revenue from each Pride Edition bottle to APCOM, a leading organisation advocating for LGBTQ+ human rights, health and community development across the Asia-Pacific region.

Where to find it

Ready to join the celebration? You can sip on creative Pride Edition cocktails at top venues like Sundry Bar, Pickle Bar, Skyview Hotel Bangkok, Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai and Kyma Beach Club Phuket.

To bring a bottle home, look for it at King Power, Central Food Hall and selected Villa Market locations throughout Thailand.

This limited-edition rum is everything Chalong Bay stands for in one bottle: a celebration of Thai heritage, a commitment to sustainability and a spirit crafted with love, for everyone.