Thailand has become the first country in Southeast Asia to recognize marriage equality, marking a significant milestone for the LGBTQ+ community. The landmark bill was passed by the parliament and endorsed by the king last year, allowing same-sex couples to register their marriages with full legal, financial, and medical rights.
At least 200 couples signed up to get married at a mass wedding in Bangkok on Thursday, with many embracing the celebratory spirit by wearing rainbow attire. Celebrities and drag queens performed on stage, while pink and white blazers were also spotted among the crowd.
For some, such as Nina Chetniphat Chuadkhunthod, the day feels long overdue. A transgender woman who has been planning to marry her boyfriend of 22 years, the bill finally brings her a sense of freedom and equality. “I feel like my dream is close to coming true,” she said.
While Thailand’s recognition of same-sex marriage marks a victory for progress, experts warn that the country may be the last Asian jurisdiction to recognize it for some time. More than 30 jurisdictions worldwide now recognize same-sex marriage, with most advances made in Europe, the Americas, and Australasia.
The fight for equal rights continues for other sexual minorities, including transgender people. Rights advocate Hua Boonyapisomparn from local advocacy group Foundation of Transgender Alliance for Human Rights called on the Thai government to let transgender people change their gender identity. “We should use marriage equality as an opportunity to open another door for gender recognition,” she said.
With Thailand’s recognition of same-sex marriage, the country takes a step towards greater awareness and acceptance of gender diversity. As Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated, “This marriage equality law marks the beginning of Thai society’s greater awareness of gender diversity, and our affirmation that everyone is entitled to equal rights and dignity.”
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/22/asia/same-sex-couples-marriage-equality-thailand-intl-hnk/index.html