Thailand made history on Thursday, as same-sex marriage became legal. The Marriage Equality Act came into effect, making Thailand the first Southeast Asian nation and the third country in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal, to legalize same-sex marriage.
At the Siam Paragon mall in Bangkok, a mass wedding ceremony was held where over 1,700 same-sex couples tied the knot. "We are very happy; we have waited for this day for 10 years," said Thanaphon Chokhongsung, who married her partner, 64-year-old Sumalee Sudsaynet, according to El Tiempo.
Prime Minister Phaetongtarn Shinawatra hailed the legalization as a historic milestone for equality and inclusion. "The rainbow flag is flying high over Thailand," she said, as reported by ABP News. "Everyone has the right to equal rights and dignity."
The new Marriage Equality Act grants same-sex couples full legal, financial, and medical rights, including adoption and inheritance rights, similar to those of heterosexual couples. The law changes the wording in the Thai Civil and Commercial Code, replacing "man and woman" with "individuals" and "husband and wife" with "life partners," reflecting a commitment to civil equality for same-sex couples.
Among the first to officially marry were actors Apiwat "Porsch" Apiwatsayree, 49, and Sappanyoo "Arm" Panatkool, 38, who received pink-bordered marriage certificates at a registration office in Bangkok. "Every love is the same inside," Apiwatsayree said, according to CBS News.
The Thai government had set a goal of registering over 1,000 same-sex marriages on the day of legalization, aiming to symbolize nationwide acceptance of the new law. By the end of the day, approximately 1,839 same-sex couples had registered their marriages nationwide, surpassing expectations, according to Marca.
Thailand was long known for its tolerance towards the LGBTQ+ community, recognized for its vibrant Pride events and promotion as an LGBTQ-friendly tourist destination.
"This day is important not only for us but for our children. Our family will finally be one," said Ariya "Jin" Milintanapa, a transgender woman who married her partner of over two decades, as reported by El Tiempo.
"This is the day when everyone can openly recognize us, when we no longer have to be evasive or hide," said Rungtiwa Thangkanopast, who plans to marry her partner in May, according to BBC News.
Activists had campaigned for over a decade to achieve legal recognition for same-sex couples. The law was approved by the Thai Parliament in June last year, passed by an overwhelming majority, and ratified by King Maha Vajiralongkorn in September. A 120-day transition period followed before the law came into effect.
The law still defines the parents of a child as a woman and a man, posing challenges for same-sex couples regarding legal recognition of their parental rights. "The state recognizes us as a couple, but it still doesn't recognize us as a family," said activist Waaddao Chumaporn, according to BBC News.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.