Photo Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bangkok Songkran Bear Week 2024 Celebrates Diversity, Equality and Unity
Four days of festive events prove a resounding success that positively showcases Bear culture
Mr Bear International 2024 Donald Zausa Lapez from the Philippines (center front), First Runner-up Nadol Na Bangchang from Thailand (right front) and Second Runner-up Minh Duy Nguyen from Vietnam (left front) celebrate with other contestants.
Bangkok, Thailand – May 7, 2024 – The inaugural Bangkok Songkran Bear Week marked a historic celebration of Bear culture in the heart of Bangkok from April 12-15, 2024, as Bear enthusiasts from around the world gathered for four fun days of events, festivities, and cultural exchange, making it an unforgettable experience for attendees and organizers alike.
The highlight of Bangkok Songkran Bear Week was the crowning of Donald Zausa Lapez from the Philippines as the first Mr Bear International. Donald’s victory, along with first runner-up, Nadol Na Bangchang from Thailand, and second runner-up, Minh Duy Nguyen from Vietnam, exemplifies the event’s commitment to diversity, inclusivity and unity within the Bear community.
This welcoming environment gave larger LGBT individuals (aka ‘Bears’), as well as chubby Bears and those who support them, the opportunity to mingle, bond, and celebrate their common identity. It offered Bears a platform to express their style, confidence and sense of community in a warm and welcoming environment.
“Being named the first Mr Bear International is an incredible honor, and I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the Bear community,” Donald, said. “Bangkok Songkran Bear Week has been an amazing experience, bringing Bears from different backgrounds together to celebrate our identities and forge lifelong friendships.”
Natalia Pliacam, (left) the Winner of Universe Is You – Selection Committee together with Joe Chonlawit Wongsriwor, Host of Mr Bear International 2024
Throughout the week, attendees enjoyed a variety of exciting events. These included the Mega Tropicana – Bear Pool Party, which many said was an absolute blast, at the brand new Tribe Sky Beach Club at EmSphere, and the Bangkok Twilight Party featuring foamy fun for Bears to enjoy on the rooftop of the River City Bangkok.
“Bearism – a Harness Cave Party – in a BDSM-themed entertainment venue received rave reviews and featured appearances of a world renown BDSM star, international DJs, a famous Thai drag queen, and a captivating BDSM art exhibition,” event coordinator, Aim Thabjan, said. “It was incredible to see so many Bears coming together to celebrate in such a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.”
The Mega Tropicana – Bear Pool Party by GCircuit at Tribe Sky Beach Club at EmSphere.
A spectacular dance review by dancing Asian Bears from Bangkok Twilight at River City Bangkok.
DJ DAI from Japan heats up the hall at the Bearism Harness Cave Party.
Bears in leather filled the Red Room BDSM art exhibition to experience the creative work of Ming Art Space.
DJ Abraham Neri from Mexico pumps up the volume at the Bearism Harness Cave Party, part of the Bangkok Songkran Bear Week festivities.
Bangkok Songkran Bear Week is poised to gain global recognition as Southeast Asia’s leading international event from Bear culture. It showcases the economic possibilities and inclusive values of Thailand, vividly presenting the country as a haven of diversity. This event does so in a modern and contemporary style that wonderfully enhances local Thai communities as it champions equality and pride.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Thanapon Thabjan (Aim)
Creative Director – Mr Bear International
E-mail: aim.thabjan@gmail.com
Mobile: 086-651-8182
Warin Pattarapatumthong (Audi)
TQPR Thailand
E-mail: audi@tqpr.com
Mobile: 098-239-4544