The momentous occasion saw hundreds of couples throughout the country celebrating their unions under the new law, despite many challenges leading up to this victory.
Thailand Celebrates Landmark Same-Sex Marriage Law as Couples Tie the Knot
Thailand Celebrates Landmark Same-Sex Marriage Law as Couples Tie the Knot
With the legalisation of same-sex marriage, Thailand marks a significant step toward LGBTQ+ equality and family recognition.
On Thursday, Thailand welcomed a new era of inclusivity as its long-awaited same-sex marriage law was enacted. At a joyous ceremony in Bangkok's upscale shopping mall, police officer Pisit "Kew" Sirihirunchai stood proudly with his partner Chanatip "Jane" Sirihirunchai, becoming among the first couples to officially register their relationship. The celebrated event drew in hundreds of couples obtaining marriage certificates, highlighting a long-overdue societal shift that many had yearned for.
Pisit and Chanatip's heartfelt registration was just one of many ceremonies happening throughout the nation. Festivities included vibrant photo booths, complimentary cupcakes, and, in one district, air tickets for the first couple to register their marriage. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra openly celebrated the occasion online, promoting a message of harmony and love.
Activists eagerly aimed to surpass the milestone of 1,448 registrations — a symbolic number linked to the marriage definition in the Thai Civil Code. With tears of joy, couples like Pisit and Chanatip, who have been together for seven years, expressed gratitude for finally having their rights recognized. “We want to build a future together,” Pisit proclaimed, emphasizing the promising changes the law brings to same-sex couples, including the ability to adopt children and manage shared assets.
Even as Thailand becomes an outlier in Asia for recognizing marriage equality — with only Nepal and Taiwan joining the ranks — advocates acknowledge the long struggle that brought this moment to fruition. Many couples faced years of advocacy and public stigma. For instance, Rungtiwa Thangkanopast, who had fought for 18 years to see this day, shared her story of perseverance and heartbreak in a journey peppered with societal resistance.
The new law reevaluates gendered language in marriage legislation, replacing it with neutral terms. However, challenges remain, as activists highlight that numerous aspects of the legal framework are still not fully inclusive. Issues like gender recognition on official documents and access to surrogacy still need addressing.
Couples such as Chakkrit "Ink" Vadhanavira and his partner Prinn also stood in recognition of the law's importance, highlighting that now, they can share property and familial legacies without barriers. “This law signifies true acknowledgment of love and family," Prinn stated. Now, families once constrained by misconceptions can embrace their loved ones and support them fully, helping to forge a legacy of acceptance and equality.
As couples across Thailand finally see their commitment celebrated legally, many find hope for a brighter, more inclusive future, albeit with continued advocacy needed to secure absolute equality.
