LGBTQ+ people from China, frequently scorned and ostracized at home, are coming to Thailand in droves, drawn by the freedom to be themselves. Thailand doesn't keep figures on LGBTQ+ tourists. But through mid-August, it has counted 2.2 million Chinese tourists out of an overall 16 million. But LGBTQ+ people in China face other pressures to conform that can make the free expression of their identities difficult. Another draw for tourists, inside and outside the LGBTQ+ community, is Thailand’s loose enforcement of prostitution laws and renowned nightclub shows.

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Persons: Xinyu Wen, Wen, “, ”, ” “, hasn't, Apichai Chatchalermkit, Owen Zhu, Jade Yang, Yang, Adisak Wongwaikankha, Eros Li, Li Organizations: Thailand Tourism Authority, The Nation Locations: BANGKOK, Thailand, Bangkok's, Thai, China, Bangkok, “, Beijing, Malaysia, Asia, asia