Thailand on Thursday became the first country in Southeast Asia to host right-sex weddings. 2SLGBTQ+ groups aim 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 territory 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 at a luxury shopping mall in Bangkok, more than 200 couples lined up to exchange vows, some in white dresses, others in traditional Thai outfits, Western suits and ceremonial police uniforms.
“It’s been 17 years, we met at school and encountered many things… We hope we see more equality in the future,” said Ploynaplus Chirasukon, 33, who posed for photos after she met her wife Kwanporn Kongpetch had received a marriage license.
2SLGBTQ+ groups hope to reach 1,448 wedding registrations on Day 1, a symbolic number that refers to the section of Thailand’s Civil Code where a key amendment changed the words husband and wife to “spouse.”
Organizers, along with related authorities, plan to compile figures from ceremonies nationwide and submit an application to Guinness World Records to recognize Thailand as the holder of the world’s largest number of same-sex marriage ceremony ceremony in a single day.
“One-Four-Eight symbolizes 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.
District offices nationwide and Thai embassies overseas were also open for marriage registration, according to the government.
“Equal marriage has become truly possible with the power of everyone,” said former Prime Minister Settha Thavisin, who was prime minister when the landmark legislation was passed last year.
He marked the day as one “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 building a legally recognized family remain a challenge for some couples.
“Ready for change”
The definition of family – a father is a man and a mother is a woman – remains in the Thai legal code.
Bangkok Pride organizer Adcharaporn Thongchalaem said Thursday’s move to register marriages was about recognition, not records.
“This event shows that many LGBT couples want this (marriage) certificate. It is a symbol that Thailand is ready for the change towards equality. Same-sex marriage is just the first step,” Adcharaporn said.
