More than 200 of LGBTQ couples married in Thailand on Thursday, to celebrate the Kingdom’s legalisation of same-sex marriage. Image AFP
(The Post News)- Thailand has made history as the first Southeast Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage, joining Taiwan and Nepal in granting full legal recognition to LGBTQ+ unions. The landmark Marriage Equality Act, which officially came into effect this week, replaces gendered terms like “man and woman” and “husband and wife” with gender-neutral language such as “individuals” and “marriage partners.” The law provides same-sex couples with the same rights as their heterosexual counterparts, including financial, medical, and inheritance benefits.
Celebrations swept across the country as couples seized the opportunity to register their unions.
In Bangkok, over 200 same-sex couples participated in a mass wedding ceremony at a bustling shopping center, while district offices nationwide facilitated hundreds more registrations. Thai authorities are already eyeing a world record for the most same-sex marriage registrations in a single day.
For Anticha Sangchai and Vorawan Ramwan, a lesbian couple who have been together for five years, the moment was deeply personal and symbolic. Speaking to Deutsche Welle News, Anticha expressed her joy: “I’m very excited and happy we got this one right. For our family, it’s very meaningful to have a legalized marriage.”
The new law also brings practical relief for LGBTQ+ couples. Ramwan, who works in the medical field, explained the significance: “Sometimes critical medical decisions need to be made, and I’ve seen cases where it’s left to the parents of the LGBTQ+ person. Now that the law recognizes us, we didn’t hesitate to register. We can make these decisions for each other without question.”
While the legislation marks a groundbreaking step forward, activists point out gaps that still need addressing. Anticha noted: “This law is still incomplete. It doesn’t recognize the concept of parenthood beyond the male or female binary. Marriage often signifies the creation of a family, and many LGBTQ+ people are already raising children. The terms ‘father’ and ‘mother’ in the law are not inclusive.”
While the legislation marks a groundbreaking step forward, activists point out gaps that still need addressing. Anticha noted: “This law is still incomplete. It doesn’t recognize the concept of parenthood beyond the male or female binary. Marriage often signifies the creation of a family, and many LGBTQ+ people are already raising children. The terms ‘father’ and ‘mother’ in the law are not inclusive.”
The enactment of marriage equality in Thailand stands in stark contrast to recent developments in the United States. Just days earlier, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that enforces a strict male-female binary in federal policy and eliminates funding for diversity and inclusion programs. Critics argue that the move could lead to diminished protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in the U.S.
In Thailand, however, the mood is one of triumph and celebration. For couples like Anticha and Vorawan, the day is not just about legal recognition but also about affirming their love and place in society. As the world watches this historic milestone, Thailand’s step forward signals hope for greater inclusion and equality in the region.
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