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  • Thailand Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage: LGBTQ+ Couples Register Marriages On First Day Of Law

Thailand Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage: LGBTQ+ Couples Register Marriages On First Day Of Law

LGBTQ+ couples in Thailand made history as the country’s Marriage Equality Act took effect, granting same-sex couples the right to marry. On the law's first day, hundreds of couples registered their marriages, celebrating a significant step toward equal legal, financial, and medical rights.

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Thailand Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage: LGBTQ+ Couples Register Marriages On First Day Of Law


In a groundbreaking moment for equality, Thailand has officially legalized same-sex marriage, marking the country as the first in Southeast Asia and the third in Asia to do so, following Taiwan and Nepal. On the first day the Marriage Equality Act went into effect, hundreds of LGBTQ+ couples across the nation lined up to register their marriages, excited to secure the same legal rights as heterosexual couples.

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A Historic Day for LGBTQ+ Rights in Thailand

Thursday, the inaugural day of the law’s enforcement, saw an impressive turnout. Around 300 couples registered their marriages in a festive atmosphere at a special event in a central Bangkok shopping mall. Across the country, even more couples were expected to complete the formalities at local district offices, signifying a monumental shift in the legal landscape for LGBTQ+ rights.

The Marriage Equality Act: What Does It Mean?

The Marriage Equality Act revises Thailand’s Civil and Commercial Code, changing the legal terminology from “men and women” and “husband and wife” to more inclusive terms like “individuals” and “marriage partners.” This legal change grants same-sex couples full access to the same legal, financial, and medical rights that have long been available to heterosexual couples.

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Couples now enjoy equal rights in areas such as:

  • Joint assets and tax obligations
  • Inheritance rights
  • Survivor benefits

For many couples, this legal recognition is a step toward securing long-term stability and peace of mind in their relationships.

A Nation of Inclusivity

Thailand has long been known for its tolerant and inclusive attitude toward the LGBTQ+ community, with events like the Bangkok Pride Parade attracting thousands of international visitors each year. However, advocates for marriage equality faced decades of challenges in a society still influenced by conservative values. Despite this, significant progress has been made in recent years, and the passing of the marriage equality law signals a promising future for LGBTQ+ rights in the country.

Real Stories, Real Impact: What Couples Are Saying

For many same-sex couples, the new law is more than just a legal victory; it’s an emotional triumph. Kullayahnut Akkharasretthabudh, a 38-year-old real estate owner, shared her joy with the world: “The enforcement of the marriage equality law proves that regardless of our gender, we all share the same basic human rights.”

Her partner, Juthatip Suttiwong, a 24-year-old chef, echoed this sentiment, saying the law not only benefits them but also paves the way for other countries in Asia to follow suit. For many LGBTQ+ couples, like Patherine Khunnares and Vivian Chullamon, the law provides much-needed reassurance for the future. “We aren’t asking for anything special,” said Khunnares, a 37-year-old web designer. “We just want a simple, happy family life.”

In preparation for the new law, Bangkok’s city government organized workshops for district office staff, raising awareness about gender diversity and training them to communicate effectively with LGBTQ+ couples. This effort ensures that officials are ready to provide respectful and informed services during marriage registration. Sanon Wangsrangboon, Bangkok’s Deputy Governor, emphasized that this training is the “missing piece of the jigsaw” in making the law fully inclusive and accessible.

Thailand Leads the Way in Asia’s LGBTQ+ Rights Movement

With the Marriage Equality Act, Thailand takes a bold step forward in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality. As the first Southeast Asian nation to grant marriage rights to same-sex couples, it sets a powerful precedent for other countries in the region.

(input from agencies)

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