Hundreds of LGBTQ+ couples in Thailand celebrated a historic moment on Thursday by legally registering their marriages as the Marriage Equality Act came into effect, granting them equal rights to heterosexual couples. This landmark legislation makes Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia and the third in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal, to legalise same-sex marriage.
According to the Department of Provincial Administration, by the end of the day, 1,832 same-sex couples had tied the knot nationwide. While over 1,000 couples registered at district offices, 185 couples participated in a jubilant day-long gala at a shopping mall in central Bangkok.
Celebrations across the country
Among the newlyweds were actors Apiwat Porsch Apiwatsayree and Sappanyoo Arm’Panatkool, who formalised their union at the Phra Nakorn district office in Bangkok. “We can love equally, legally,” said Sappanyoo. Apiwat added, “We can build our family in our own way because every kind of love, every kind of family is beautiful as it is.”
Similarly, at the Siam Paragon mall, Pisit Sirihirunchai, a 36-year-old policeman, and his partner, Chanatip Sirihirunchai, 42, celebrated their marriage. Pisit remarked, “Love is a beautiful thing. We should not stop anyone from loving, regardless of gender.” Chanatip echoed his sentiments, expressing a hope that marriage equality laws would extend to LGBTQ+ couples worldwide.
Transformative legislation
The Marriage Equality Act amends Article 1448 of Thailand’s Civil and Commercial Code, replacing gender-specific terms such as “man and woman” and “husband and wife” with gender-neutral terms like “individuals” and “marriage partners.” This ensures LGBTQ+ couples have equal legal, financial, and medical rights.
Key provisions of the law grant same-sex couples equal rights and responsibilities in managing joint assets, fulfilling tax obligations, and claiming inheritance and survivor benefits. The change represents a monumental step towards equality in a country known for its inclusivity yet historically conservative legal framework.
Activists had campaigned for the bill to symbolically see at least 1,448 same-sex marriages registered on Thursday, aligning with Article 1448. The goal was exceeded, marking the day as a triumph for LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand.
Leaders and advocates speak out
Former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, under whose government the ruling Pheu Thai party introduced the law, joined celebrations at the Siam Paragon mall. He led a parade of newlyweds along a rainbow-coloured carpet and highlighted Thailand’s progressive stance on inclusivity.
Srettha indirectly contrasted Thailand’s progress with recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who reaffirmed a policy recognising only two genders. Without naming Trump, Srettha commented, “A powerful country’s new leader announced there are only two genders in his country. I believe our heart is bigger.”
Current Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra also addressed the celebratory crowd via video, declaring, “From now on, all love will be certified by law. All couples will live with honour and dignity in Thailand.”
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The road to equality
Although Thailand has long had a reputation for acceptance and inclusivity, the LGBTQ+ community has faced discrimination in everyday life. Passing a marriage equality law was a decades-long struggle for activists in a largely conservative society. However, the tide has shifted, with significant improvements in public attitudes and legal recognition in recent years.
To ensure smooth implementation of the new law, Bangkok’s city government organised workshops for district office staff handling marriage registrations. These included awareness training on gender diversity and communication guidance for interacting with LGBTQ+ couples. “Society is ready. The law is getting ready. But the last piece of the jigsaw is the understanding from officials,” said Bangkok Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon.
The Interior Ministry also provided similar training to district offices nationwide. Officials hope this will ensure that the process is welcoming and inclusive for all couples.
A global milestone
Thailand’s legalisation of same-sex marriage places it among around three dozen countries worldwide that have embraced marriage equality. In Asia, Taiwan was the first to take this step in 2019, with 526 couples registering on the first day.
The Marriage Equality Act is a momentous milestone for Thailand, reinforcing its position as a global beacon of inclusivity. For the thousands of couples celebrating their unions, it is a day they will remember forever—a day when love truly triumphed.
