Bangkokians proudly raised rainbow flags outside the U.S. Embassy last night in a vigil for the victims of the mass shooting at a gay club in Orlando, Florida on Sunday.
U.S. Ambassador Glyn T. Davies joined LGBT activist Paisarn Likhitpreechakul and fifty others to light candles and place ribbons outside the embassy’s visa consular section.
“We discussed organizing the vigil for this devastating loss just this morning before coordinating with the embassy,” said Paisarn, the event organizer.
“We want to stand together in solidarity with the people of Orlando and around the world. Also, we want to raise awareness of violence and hatred against the LGBT community,” the 46-year-old LGBT activist said.
At about 2am on Sunday, a man armed with an assault rifle and pistol opened fire and killed 49 people and wounded another 53 inside the packed Pulse nightclub, where over 300 people were enjoying a “Latin Flavor” event.
People were trapped inside the club for three hours as they desperately called and messaged their loved ones before police were able to gather a SWAT team and gain entry to the building, according to CNN.
The massacre was marked as the deadliest mass shooting in the U.S. history.
Vigils remembering the victims and showing solidarity with their loved ones have been held across the world and Bangkokians joined the stand for humanity last night.
“This could happen anywhere because of hatred and discrimination. It happened in America, one of the most progressive countries on LGBT rights,” said Paisarn Likhitpreechakul, 46, activist.
“I really want this mass shooting to be the last one. It’s a devastating attack which has made everybody feel unsafe. I’d rather see a man holding hands with another man than holding a gun. Love is beautiful,” said Magnum, 25, marketer at a magazine.
“The mass killing happened from the stupidity of one human who couldn’t keep up with the world. Unlike a thousand years ago, the world now has no boundaries and the definitions of sex and gender have changed. It’s not religion’s fault. It’s the fault of misinterpretation of the religion and extremism beliefs,” said Petcharat, 25, activist.
“Only love can win over hate. The background of the murderer doesn’t matter, but what matters is people were killed because of who they are and their sexuality. The shooting was the fault of one person with extreme hatred, not because of the religion. The only weapon we should use is love and acceptance,” said Ilaria, 29, Queer Mango co-founder.
“This situation is complicated. However, we should not use this attack as an excuse to attack other minorities. This vigil is not about the politics. We want to send out the message of our solidarity,” said Pimsiri, 30, activist.
Photos: Watsamon Tri-yasakda
