Hundreds of couples are set to exchange vows in a mass wedding ceremony in central Bangkok on Thursday, January 23, marking the historic legalization of same-sex marriage in Thailand.
After years of relentless advocacy and numerous setbacks, Thailand has become the first nation in Southeast Asia to achieve full marriage equality.
The landmark same-sex marriage law, which amended the Civil and Commercial Code to replace gender-specific terms like “men and women” and “husband and wife” with “individuals” and “marriage partners,” received royal endorsement on September 24, 2024, and will take effect tomorrow. The legislation grants LGBTQ couples equal legal, financial, and medical rights, marking a monumental shift for the region.
On January 15, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and other high-ranking officials hosted LGBTQ couples and activists at Government House to celebrate the impending implementation of the law. This makes Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia, and the third in Asia—after Taiwan and Nepal—to legalize same-sex marriage.
Bangkok Pride, in collaboration with government agencies, has organized a grand celebration in central Bangkok. More than 300 couples have already registered to formalize their unions on this momentous day.
“This law restores our dignity and recognizes that we, too, deserve the same respect and rights as anyone else,” said Ann “Waaddao” Chumaporn, a gender equality activist and lead organizer of Bangkok Pride. “This day is deeply meaningful to all the couples who have fought for this moment. I want to thank everyone who has stayed committed to this journey of love and justice.”
Signs of the last days.