Excitement and joy swept across Thailand today as a groundbreaking law allowing same-sex couples to legally marry came into effect. Thousands of couples nationwide eagerly registered their marriages, marking a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards equality and acceptance.
In Bangkok, the capital city, hundreds of couples gathered at a grand registration event held at a prominent shopping mall. The venue was beautifully adorned with a large Pride carpet, symbolizing this momentous occasion. Organized by Naruemit Pride, a Thai rights group, the mass wedding event allowed couples to present their documents and officially register their marriages in groups of ten.
A Step Forward for Equality
The new legislation makes Thailand the third country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, following in the footsteps of Taiwan and Nepal. This progressive move has been hailed as a victory for LGBTQ+ rights and a testament to the country’s openness and inclusivity.
Former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who was instrumental in passing the landmark legislation last year, was present at the wedding event. “Equal marriage has truly become possible with the power of all,” he said, expressing his pride and joy at witnessing this historic day.
The Thai Interior Ministry reported that a total of 1,832 couples across the country registered their marriages on this first day of the law’s implementation. Many couples expressed deep emotional satisfaction at finally being recognized as legally married.
Personal Stories of Joy and Love
Klinthaworn, a live-streamer and salesperson known as Maple, shared her overwhelming happiness during the event. “When the district officer was signing, I felt my tears brimming inside. We have fought for two years, but others have fought for 20 years, and today is a success,” she said.
Current Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra took to Instagram to commemorate the day, stating, “23 January is the day that we all mark in history, that the rainbow flag has been planted in Thailand gracefully. All the love from all the people is accepted legally with respect and dignity.”
Prime Minister Shinawatra had previously invited LGBTQ+ couples and activists to government offices to celebrate the upcoming enactment of the law. “Today shows that our country is open and accepting,” she proudly declared.
Celebrations Across the Nation
In popular tourist destinations such as Koh Samui, local officials organized special registration events for couples. For many, it was an opportunity to formalize their unions legally, having already celebrated their love in private ceremonies.
Ploy Rahong, 31, who married her partner in a sunset beach ceremony, expressed her excitement, saying, “We wanted to get married awhile already, and once they approved the law, we just went ahead with it. It’s like a new beginning.” Her sentiment was echoed by many who felt a newfound sense of security and recognition.
A Long Journey to Marriage Equality
The journey to legalizing same-sex marriage in Thailand was not without challenges. The country faced political turmoil, including a military coup in 2014, which hindered progress on LGBTQ+ rights. However, a wave of youth-led pro-democracy protests in 2020 revitalized the movement for marriage equality.
Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, a member of Parliament’s marriage equality select committee, credited these protests for influencing political parties to support LGBTQ+ legislation. “That influenced political parties to campaign for LGBTQ+ related laws and policies, because it became a landmark policy to gain the popular vote from the younger generation,” she explained.
With the new law in place, Thailand sets an example for other nations in Asia. Singaporean Tom Tan, who plans to marry his Thai partner, expressed hope that Thailand’s progress would inspire similar changes across the continent. “I do feel things are moving, but obviously not as fast as in Thailand,” he noted.
A Bright Future for LGBTQ+ Rights
As Thailand celebrates this monumental achievement, the future looks brighter for the LGBTQ+ community. The equal marriage law not only affirms the rights of same-sex couples but also signals a broader acceptance and respect for diversity. This historic day marks the beginning of a new chapter for love and equality in Thailand.
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