Thailand has made history in Southeast Asia by becoming the first country to officially recognize same-sex marriage. By legalizing same-sex marriage, Thailand has sent a strong message of respect for diversity and equality, while affirming its position as a modern, civilized country. From big cities to remote rural areas, the festive atmosphere is everywhere. Images of couples exchanging vows in gorgeous costumes have become the focus of attention of domestic and foreign media.
The mass wedding ceremony began in the morning at Paragon Hall, an event and convention center in one of Bangkok's largest shopping malls, Siam Paragon. The event was organized by the rights group Naruemit Pride, whose name roughly translates as "creating pride."
Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to allow same-sex marriage, prompting hundreds of LGBT couples to marry on the first day the law came into effect.
Dozens of officials and journalists gathered as the first wedding ceremony began in a large gray hall, with pink arches decorated with flowers as a backdrop and pictures of newlyweds surrounding it. One by one, officials examined their documents and officially recognized them as husband and wife.
LGBTQ+ rights activists have hailed a historic step as Thailand officially became the third place in Asia to recognise same-sex marriage, after Taiwan and Nepal.
"Today we feel safe, peaceful and happy. We are happy to have contributed to bringing the marriage equality law to this milestone," said Ploynaplus Chirasukon (33), who was the first to marry her partner, Kwanporn Kongpetch (32), at the event.
Thailand is widely seen as one of the most welcoming places in the world for LGBTQ+ people, but it took more than a decade of campaigning to legalize same-sex marriage. LGBT groups are aiming for 1,448 marriage registrations on the first day, a symbolic number related to Thailand's civil code, which included a key amendment that changed the definition from husband and wife to "husband and wife".
The new law replaces traditional terms such as "male," "female," "wife" and "husband" with gender-neutral words, and grants adoption and inheritance rights to same-sex couples.
The figures will be compiled from ceremonies across the country and sent to Guinness World Records to confirm Thailand as the country with the largest number of same-sex marriage registrations in a single day. According to Bangkok Pride, the number “1,448” is not only a legal figure but also a symbol of hope for an inclusive society where all forms of love are celebrated.
Previously, the Thai Senate passed a same-sex marriage bill on June 18, after more than two decades of struggle by LGBTQ+ rights activists.
Former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who played a key role in passing the law, described it as "a day close to the hearts of many Thai people".
