Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra joined LGBTQ+ couples at Government House in Bangkok to celebrate the country’s first same-sex weddings on Thursday. The nation became the first in Southeast Asia to legalize gay marriage last June, with a new law allowing same-sex couples to register their marriages and adopt children. The change also grants them equal rights to healthcare consent and inheritance.
The law’s passage was met with relief by activists, who felt long denied recognition of their love. “Although Thailand has been known as the gay paradise or the queer paradise, it was never really the actual paradise for queer people,” said 18-year-old activist Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd. The historic legislation is seen as a major milestone in LGBTQ+ rights, with many around the world cheering on the Thai government’s progressive move.
Thailand follows in the footsteps of Taiwan and Nepal, which also legalized same-sex marriage four years ago. The new law takes effect immediately, allowing couples to register their marriages at district offices nationwide.
Source: https://www.thepinknews.com/2025/01/21/thailand-pm-joins-lgbtq-couples-and-activists-to-celebrate-same-sex-weddings