On Thursday, Thailand legalized same-sex marriage, prompting joy as countless couples across the nation embraced the moment they had waited for. Among them was police officer Pisit "Kew" Sirihirunchai, who, along with his partner Chanatip "Jane" Sirihirunchai, was one of the first to register their marriage at a major shopping mall in Bangkok during the government's celebratory event.
Thailand's Landmark Day: Same-Sex Marriage Legalized
Thailand's Landmark Day: Same-Sex Marriage Legalized
Thailand embraces marriage equality as same-sex couples celebrate their unions, marking a historic moment for LGBTQ+ rights.
Several hundred couples lined up to receive their marriage certificates, a sight filled with emotions, laughter, and even tears. The festivities included vibrant decorations, photo booths, and sweet treats, while the Prime Minister celebrated the occasion, noting that "The rainbow flag is flying high over Thailand" from her post at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The new law, which grants LGBTQ+ couples equal rights to marry, inherit, adopt children, and make medical decisions for one another, has been a long time coming. The legislation saw parliamentary approval last year, overcoming years of advocacy amid societal changes that have favored greater acceptance of same-sex couples.
For couples like Pisit and Chanatip, who have been together for seven years, this law finally legitimizes their relationship in the eyes of the law. "Having our partnership recognized is perfect for us. The law that protects our rights," expressed Pisit.
Many have cited a long battle before reaching this point; Rungtiwa Thangkanopast, who plans to marry her partner of 18 years in May, described waiting nearly two decades for this recognition, marking a pivotal shift in societal attitudes. Thailand is now one of the few countries in Asia to legally permit same-sex marriage, joining Nepal and Taiwan.
Notably, however, while the law marks significant progress, many legal hurdles remain, particularly concerning gender-specific terms in legal documents and the recognition of parental rights for same-sex couples. Activists stress the need for continued advocacy to ensure comprehensive equality within Thai law.
As celebrations surged throughout the country, couples declared their intentions to build lives together—some hoping to start families and businesses, while others sought to inherit shared assets and formalize their partnerships at last. This moment not only represents joy and triumph but also the ongoing journey towards true equality for LGBTQ+ individuals in Thailand and beyond.
The new law, which grants LGBTQ+ couples equal rights to marry, inherit, adopt children, and make medical decisions for one another, has been a long time coming. The legislation saw parliamentary approval last year, overcoming years of advocacy amid societal changes that have favored greater acceptance of same-sex couples.
For couples like Pisit and Chanatip, who have been together for seven years, this law finally legitimizes their relationship in the eyes of the law. "Having our partnership recognized is perfect for us. The law that protects our rights," expressed Pisit.
Many have cited a long battle before reaching this point; Rungtiwa Thangkanopast, who plans to marry her partner of 18 years in May, described waiting nearly two decades for this recognition, marking a pivotal shift in societal attitudes. Thailand is now one of the few countries in Asia to legally permit same-sex marriage, joining Nepal and Taiwan.
Notably, however, while the law marks significant progress, many legal hurdles remain, particularly concerning gender-specific terms in legal documents and the recognition of parental rights for same-sex couples. Activists stress the need for continued advocacy to ensure comprehensive equality within Thai law.
As celebrations surged throughout the country, couples declared their intentions to build lives together—some hoping to start families and businesses, while others sought to inherit shared assets and formalize their partnerships at last. This moment not only represents joy and triumph but also the ongoing journey towards true equality for LGBTQ+ individuals in Thailand and beyond.
