Thailand legalises same-sex marriages, a first in Southeast Asia

LGBTQ+ couples in Thailand celebrate the landmark day as they register their marriages, marking the first day of the Marriage Equality Act, which grants them equal rights with heterosexual couples.

Hundreds of LGBTQ+ couples in Thailand celebrated a momentous occasion on Thursday as they registered their marriages on the first day of the enforcement of the Marriage Equality Act.

This landmark law grants LGBTQ+ couples equal legal status as heterosexual couples, making Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia and the third in Asia—following Taiwan and Nepal—to legalise same-sex marriage.

Marriage registrations typically occur at district offices, but around 300 couples participated in a special event at a gala celebration in a Bangkok shopping mall. Many more couples across the country registered their marriages at local offices.

The Marriage Equality Act amends the Civil and Commercial Code, replacing gender-specific terms such as “men and women” and “husband and wife” with “individuals” and “marriage partners.”

This change ensures full legal, financial, and medical rights for LGBTQ+ couples, including equal responsibilities for joint assets, tax obligations, inheritance rights, and survivor benefits.

“This is proof that regardless of our gender, we all share the same basic human rights in every aspect under Thai law,” said 38-year-old real estate owner Kullayahnut Akkharasretthabudh, who attended the event with her partner, chef Juthatip Suttiwong. “It also paves the way for other countries in Asia, highlighting the importance of recognising each other’s human values.”

Thailand has long been recognised for its inclusivity and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, as seen in the vibrant annual Bangkok Pride Parade.

However, despite this reputation, rights advocates faced an uphill battle for decades in passing the marriage equality law in a largely conservative society.

LGBTQ+ individuals continue to report everyday discrimination, although they acknowledge that societal attitudes have improved significantly in recent years.

Couples such as web designer Patherine Khunnares, 37, and researcher Vivian Chullamon, 36, expressed gratitude for the legal milestone. “Marriage isn’t everything that fulfils us emotionally.

However, we believe that as two human beings, we should be granted the same basic legal rights as heterosexual couples,” Khunnares remarked. “We are a complete family in spirit, but legal recognition would alleviate our future anxieties.”

Bangkok’s city government has also played a role in preparing for this historic day, organising workshops for district office staff responsible for handling marriage registrations.

These sessions included lectures on gender diversity and guidelines on effective communication.

Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon emphasised the importance of the initiative: “It’s like a missing piece of the jigsaw. Society is ready. The law is getting ready. But the last piece of the jigsaw is the understanding from officials.”

As the law takes effect, it marks not just a legal milestone but a profound cultural shift, offering hope and inspiration for greater equality across Asia.

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