Thailand witnessed a historic milestone on Thursday as its equal marriage law officially came into effect, allowing scores of same-sex and transgender couples to tie the knot.
Among the first to celebrate this landmark moment were renowned gay actors Apiwat “Porsch” Apiwatsayree, 49, and Sappanyoo “Arm” Panatkool, 38.
Dressed in matching beige suits, the emotional couple received their pink-bordered marriage certificates at a registry office in Bangkok.
“We fought for it for decades, and today is a remarkable day that love is love,” said Arm, reflecting on the significance of the occasion.
This groundbreaking development makes Thailand the largest country in Asia to recognize equal marriage, joining Taiwan and Nepal in embracing this progressive step.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra acknowledged the occasion by posting on X: “Today, the rainbow flag is proudly flying over Thailand.”
The law, which uses gender-neutral language, eliminates terms like “husband” and “wife” in favor of inclusivity. It also grants equal rights for adoption and inheritance to all married couples, including transgender individuals.
At the Bangrak district office, lesbian couple Sumalee Sudsaynet, 64, and Thanaphon Chokhongsung, 59, became the first to wed.
The couple, who exchanged engagement rings during the ceremony, expressed their joy at finally seeing this day after a decade of waiting.
“We are so happy. We’ve been waiting for this day for 10 years,” said Thanaphon, who wore a white gown. Sumalee added, “The legalisation of same-sex marriage uplifts our dignity. It allows us to enjoy the same rights as heterosexual couples. My emotions today are so overwhelming, I can’t even put them into words.”
A mass LGBTQ wedding event was organized by Bangkok Pride and city authorities at a shopping mall, where dozens of couples arrived in both traditional and modern attire.
Couples filled out marriage forms at designated tables, with hundreds anticipated to register their unions throughout the day.
Kevin Pehthai Thanomkhet, a 31-year-old trans man, married his wife, Maple Nathnicha Klintgaworn, 39. Overcome with emotion, Kevin said, “So happy, like, oh my god… my heart is beating.” His father, Phornchai, shared his unwavering support, stating, “I have always accepted (him). Whatsoever, it is OK with me.”
Thailand has long been recognized for its relative tolerance of the LGBTQ community, and this landmark law solidifies its position as a pioneer in Southeast Asia.
The legislation, passed in June following years of activism, became law 120 days after being ratified by King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Speaking at the wedding event, former prime minister Srettha Thavisin appeared to challenge U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments limiting genders to two, stating, “Recently a country’s leader said that there were only two genders, but I think we are more open-minded than that.”
Though Thursday’s development represents significant progress, challenges remain.
Many in the Buddhist-majority kingdom hold traditional values, and LGBTQ individuals still report facing discrimination.
For Ploynaplus Chirasukon, who married her partner of 17 years, Kwanporn Kongpetch, the fight for equality continues.
“In the past, LGBTQ people were seen as monstrosities,” she said, advocating for recognition of gender identity and the right to change official titles. “The ability to be able to change our titles would allow for true equality.”
Since the Netherlands first legalized same-sex marriage in 2001, more than 30 nations have followed suit.
With its bold move, Thailand has taken its place among them, signaling a new era of inclusivity and recognition for the LGBTQ community.
