Thailand’s first same-sex weddings take place as new marriage equality law goes into effect

Thailand on Thursday became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriages, with 2SLGBTQ+ groups aiming to mark the occasion with more than 1,000 marriage registrations in one day.

After decades of campaigning by activists, Thailand is the third territory in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, after Taiwan and Nepal, with a new marriage equality law that came into force on Thursday.

Thailand’s parliament waved rainbow flags on Thursday and shopping malls planned huge Pride events to mark the introduction of the new law.

More than 200 couples lined up to say their vows at a mass wedding in a luxury Bangkok retail mall, some dressed in white, others in traditional Thai clothing, western suits and ceremonial police uniforms.

“It’s been 17 years, we met at school and we’ve been through a lot… we hope to see more equality in the future,” said Ploynaplus Chirasukon, 33, as he and his wife Kwanporn Kongpetch pose for a photo after receiving their marriage license.

2SLGBTQ+ groups hope to reach 1,448 wedding registrations on Day 1, a symbolic figure for the section of the Thai Civil Code that changed the words husband and wife to “spouse” in a major amendment.

Organizers, along with related agencies, plan to collect figures from ceremonies across the country and submit a request to the Guinness Book of Records to one day recognize Thailand as the country with the highest number of same-sex marriages in the world.

“One-four-four-eight symbolizes the fight for marriage rights for all genders. It represents the desire and hope to build an inclusive society that accepts and celebrates love in all its forms,” ​​said 2SLGBTQ+ group Bangkok Pride.

District offices across the country and Thai embassies abroad were also open for marriage registration, the government said.

“Marriage equality has truly been made possible by the power of all,” said former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin as the landmark legislation was passed passed last year.

He marked the day as one “close to the hearts of many Thais”.

Legal analysts say the new same-sex marriage law will further push for greater inclusion of 2SLGBTQ+ people in Thailand, long renowned for its carnival-like Pride events and social tolerance.

However, other rules, such as legally recognized marriages, remain a challenge for some couples.

“We are ready for change”

The definition of family – father is male and mother is female – remains in Thai legal code.

Bangkok Pride organizer Adcharaporn Thongchalaem said the rush to register marriages on Thursday was about recognition, not registration.

“This event shows that many LGBT couples want this (marriage) certificate. It is a symbol that Thailand is ready to change towards equality. Same-sex marriage is only the first step,” Adcharaporn said.