On Thursday, Thailand made history by becoming Southeast Asia‘s first nation to recognise same-sex marriages legally. LGBT organisations will commemorate this milestone with over 1,000 marriage registrations in one day.
Following years of advocacy by activists, Thailand has become the third region in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage, joining Taiwan and Nepal. The new marriage equality law is set to take effect on Thursday.
On Thursday, Thailand’s parliament displayed rainbow flags, while shopping complexes organised significant pride events to mark the enactment of the new law.
In a grand event held at a luxury retail mall in Bangkok, over 200 couples gathered to exchange their vows. The scene was a vibrant mix of white dresses, traditional Thai attire, western suits, and ceremonial police uniforms, showcasing a rich tapestry of cultural expressions.
“After 17 years together, having met in school and navigated numerous experiences, we aspire for greater equality in the future,” stated Ploynaplus Chirasukon, 33, as she posed for photographs following the receipt of a marriage licence with her wife, Kwanporn Kongpetch.
LGBT organisations aim for 1,448 wedding registrations on the first day, a significant figure that alludes to the section of the Thai civil code where a pivotal amendment replaced the terms husband and wife with “spouse”.
In collaboration with relevant agencies, the organisers are set to gather data from ceremonies across the country. They will submit a formal request to Guinness World Records, seeking to establish Thailand as the nation with the highest number of same-sex marriage registrations in a single day.
“One-four-four-eight represents the ongoing struggle for marriage equality across all genders.” “It embodies the aspiration and vision of creating a society that embraces and honours love in all its manifestations,” stated the LGBT group Bangkok Pride.
The government announced that district offices across the country and Thai embassies abroad were available for marriage registration.
“Equal marriage has truly become possible with the power of all,” stated former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who held office during the passage of the landmark legislation last year.
He designated the day as one that resonates deeply with numerous Thais.
Legal analysts suggest that the newly enacted same-sex marriage law is poised to generate increased momentum for the inclusion of LGBTQ individuals in Thailand. The country has historically been known for its vibrant pride events and a culture of tolerance towards the community.
Nonetheless, specific regulations, such as establishing a legally recognised family, continue to pose challenges for some couples.
The Thai legal code continues to define family as consisting of a father who is a man and a mother who is a woman.
Adcharaporn Thongchalaem, the organiser of Bangkok Pride, stated that the flurry of marriage registrations on Thursday was driven by the desire for recognition rather than mere documentation.
This event highlights the significant desire among numerous LGBT couples for marriage certificates. This represents Thailand’s readiness to embrace change in the pursuit of equality. “Same-sex marriage is just the first step,” Adcharaporn stated.
