Thai LGBTQ+ Couples Celebrate Historic Marriage Equality as New Law Takes Effect

Hundreds of LGBTQ+ couples in Thailand marked a historic day by legally registering their marriages. This followed the enactment of the Marriage Equality Act, which grants them the same rights as heterosexual couples. Thailand is now the first Southeast Asian country and the third in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal, to legalise same-sex marriage. By Thursday's end, 1,832 same-sex couples had married across the nation.

At district offices, over 1,000 couples registered their unions. Meanwhile, 185 couples celebrated at a gala event in a central Bangkok mall. Among them were actors Apiwat "Porsch" Apiwatsayree and Sappanyoo "Arm" Panatkool, who wed at Bangkok's Phra Nakorn district office. Sappanyoo expressed, "We can love, we love equally, legally." Apiwat added that every kind of love and family is beautiful.

Marriage Equality Act's Impact

The new law amends Article 1448 of Thailand's Civil and Commercial Codes. It replaces terms like "man and woman" with "individuals" and "marriage partners." This change ensures LGBTQ+ couples have full legal, financial, and medical rights. They will share equal responsibilities regarding joint assets, taxes, inheritance rights, and survivor benefits.

At Siam Paragon mall, former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin led newlyweds on a rainbow carpet. Current Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed attendees via video, stating that all love will now be certified by law in Thailand. Srettha also referenced a recent speech by U.S. President Donald Trump about gender identity.

Thailand's Inclusivity Journey

Thailand is known for its acceptance and inclusivity. Thousands attend Bangkok's annual Pride parade. However, passing a marriage equality law was challenging in this largely conservative society. Despite improvements, LGBTQ+ individuals still face discrimination in daily life.

Bangkok's city government organised workshops for district office staff handling marriage registrations. These included lectures on gender diversity and communication guidance for serving diverse communities. The Interior Ministry provided similar training to ensure understanding among officials.

Global Context of Same-Sex Marriage

Globally, about three dozen countries have legalised some form of same-sex marriage. More than half are in Europe. In Taiwan, which legalised same-sex marriage in 2019, 526 people registered on the first day alone.

Activists had hoped for at least 1,448 same-sex marriages on Thursday to symbolically amend Article 1448. Pisit Sirihirunchai and Chanatip Sirihirunchai were among those who registered at the mall event. Pisit stated that love should not be limited by gender or identity.

"I want to see the same-sex marriage law available in every country where LGBTQ+ couples are," Chanatip added. This sentiment reflects a broader desire for global acceptance and equality for LGBTQ+ individuals.

"It's like a missing piece of the jigsaw," said Bangkok Deputy Gov. Sanon Wangsrangboon during a workshop earlier this month. He emphasised that while society and laws are ready, officials' understanding is crucial for complete inclusivity.