Same-sex marriage is officially legal in Thailand as of January 23, with over 1,000 LGBTQ+ couples expected to marry on the first day of the law’s enactment. The country makes history as the first in Southeast Asia to achieve marriage equality, marking a significant victory for queer rights after decades of campaigning by activists.
The legalisation follows the passage of the same-sex marriage bill, signed into law by Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn in June 2024. This milestone ends years of inequality enshrined in the Thai Civil and Commercial Code, which previously restricted marriage to unions “between a man and a woman” under Section 1448.
To mark the moment in style, 1,448 LGBTQ+ couples are expected to officially register their unions across the country on the first day, matching the former section’s number. Should this come to fruition, it will break the record for most same-sex marriages registered in one day, surpassing the previous record set in Brazil in 2014 and signalling the global significance of this achievement.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra celebrated this historic moment, posting on Facebook from the World Economic Forum in Davos: “The rainbow flag is flying high over Thailand.” She called it a proud moment for the nation, reflecting the country’s commitment to human rights.
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The road to equality has been a long one, with LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand previously delayed by domestic political challenges, including a military coup in 2014. However, sustained efforts by activists and growing public support paved the way for this pivotal day.
Former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, an outspoken ally of the queer community, also celebrated the moment, writing on X: “Equal marriage has truly become possible with the power of all.”
For couples like Pisit ‘Kew’ Sirihirunchai, a police officer, and his long-term partner Chanatip ‘Jane’ Sirihirunchai, this day has been a long time coming. “We have been ready for such a long time,” Pisit told the BBC. “We have just been waiting for the law to catch up and support us.”
Thailand’s recognition of same-sex marriage grants LGBTQ+ couples the same legal, financial, and medical rights as heterosexual couples and also represents a cultural shift towards greater acceptance and equality. Today, Thailand celebrates love, progress, and the power of advocacy.
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