Thailand's gay-friendly culture has caught the attention of Chinese LGBTQ+ people as queer advocacy and representation faces pressure at home.

BANGKOK, Thailand —  In 2019, business was booming for Owen Zhu. He was one year into his new career in real estate, showing Bangkok properties to Chinese investors.

Then the pandemic halted travel and spending. Even now, Chinese buyers are slow to return.

The exception has been one group that has since become Zhu’s specialty: LGBTQ+ clients looking to build a new life for themselves outside China.