Thailand legalizes same-sex marriage, hundreds wed as law takes effect

Thailand has officially become the first Southeast Asian nation to legalize same-sex marriage, marking a historic milestone for the LGBTQ+ community. The Marriage Equality Act, which came into force on January 23, has been celebrated by activists after years of campaigning.

On the first day of the law’s implementation, hundreds of LGBTQ+ couples in Thailand tied the knot, with LGBTQ+ organizations hoping to achieve more than 1,000 registrations, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The move makes Thailand the third country in Asia, following Taiwan and Nepal, to legalize same-sex and transgender marriages. It also places Thailand among the over 30 nations globally that have adopted equal marriage laws, with the Netherlands being the first in 2001.

"Equal marriage has truly become possible with the power of all," said former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who led the government when the legislation was passed in June of the previous year. He expressed that the day was one "close to the hearts of many Thais."

To mark this historic occasion, rainbow flags flew above Thailand’s Parliament, and shopping malls organized events to celebrate the law’s introduction. LGBTQ+ groups aimed to set a world record for the most same-sex marriage registrations in a single day, with a target of 1,448—symbolizing the section of the Thai civil code that allows for equal marriages.

“One-four-four-eight symbolizes the fight for marriage rights for all genders. It represents the dream and hope of building an inclusive society that accepts and celebrates love in all its forms,” explained Bangkok Pride.

The new law incorporates gender-neutral language, replacing terms like “men,” “women,” “husbands,” and “wives” with more inclusive words like “individuals” and “marriage partners.” This change allows transgender individuals to legally marry. Under the legislation, LGBTQ+ couples are now entitled to full legal, financial, and medical rights, including tax benefits, inheritance rights, and survivor benefits.

While the law is a major step forward, the definition of family in Thai legal codes remains based on traditional gender roles, with a father being a man and a mother being a woman. Thailand, a predominantly Buddhist country, is known for its atmosphere of tolerance, with the annual Bangkok Pride event attracting visitors from around the world.

Opinion polls have shown widespread public support for same-sex marriage, but many LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face discrimination in everyday life, hoping that the new law will help reduce these barriers.

By Vafa Guliyeva