Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to hold legal same-sex marriages on Thursday, with 2SLGBTQ+ groups aiming to mark the occasion with more than 1,000 marriage registrations in a single day.
After decades of campaigning by activists, Thailand has become the third region in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage after Taiwan and Nepal, with a new marriage equality law coming into force on Thursday.
Thailand’s parliament flew rainbow flags on Thursday and shopping complexes planned large Pride events to celebrate the implementation of the new law.
At a mass wedding in a luxury retail mall in Bangkok, more than 200 couples lined up to say their vows, some dressed in white, others in traditional Thai clothing, western suits and formal police uniforms.
“It’s been 17 years, we met at school and experienced a lot of things… We hope to see more equality in the future,” said Pleanaplus Cherasukon, 33, married to his wife Kwan Puran Kongpeach. said while taking pictures after getting the license.
2SLGBTQ+ groups hope to register 1,448 marriages on the first day, a symbolic number that refers to the section of the Thai Civil Code where a key amendment changed the words husband and wife to “spouse”. is
Organizers, in conjunction with relevant agencies, plan to compile data on ceremonies across the country and submit a request to Guinness World Records to have Thailand hold the world’s largest number of same-sex weddings on a single day. be recognized as the holder of the registration.
“A Four Four Eight is a symbol of the fight for marriage rights for all genders. It represents the dream and hope of building an inclusive society that accepts and celebrates love in all its forms,” said 2SLGBTQ+ group Bangkok Pride. ” said 2SLGBTQ+ group Bangkok Pride.
District offices across the country and Thai embassies abroad were also open for marriage registration, according to the government.
“Marriage equality has really been made possible by the power of everyone,” said former Prime Minister Sritha Thaosin, who was prime minister at the time of the landmark legislation. Last year passed.
He marked the day as “close to the hearts of many Thais”.
According to legal analysts, the new same-sex marriage law will create more momentum for greater inclusion of 2SLGBTQ+ people in Thailand, which has long had a reputation for its carnival-like pride events and community tolerance.
However, other regulations such as legally recognized family formation remain a challenge for some couples.
‘Ready for change’
The definition of family – a father is a man and a mother is a woman – is retained in the Thai legal code.
Bangkok Pride organizer Adcharapuran Thongchalam said Thursday’s rush to register marriages was about identification, not records.
“This incident shows that many LGBT couples want this (marriage) certificate. It is a sign that Thailand is ready to change towards equality. Same-sex marriage is only the first step,” he said. Edcharapuran said.
