Hundreds to get married today as Thailand’s same sex marriage law comes into effect

Hundreds of same-sex couples are set to tie the knot on Thursday as Thailand officially becomes the first Southeast Asian nation to recognise marriage equality. The landmark legislation, passed last year and now coming into effect, represents a monumental victory for the LGBTQ+ community after over a decade of relentless advocacy.

“This could be a model for the world,” said Kittinun Daramadhaj, president of the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand. “There is true marriage equality in Thailand.”

Under the groundbreaking law, same-sex couples gain full legal, financial, and medical rights, including adoption and inheritance protections. For many, this legislation signals a new chapter of inclusion and progress in a country long celebrated for its vibrant LGBTQ+ culture.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra praised the achievement during an event last week, where she welcomed LGBTQ+ couples and activists to the government’s offices. “This demonstrates that Thailand is ready to embrace diversity and accept love in all its forms,” she said.

200 couples to tie knot

Festivities to mark this historic occasion are set to unfold across the country. In Bangkok, at least 200 couples will tie the knot in a mass wedding at a bustling shopping mall, co-organised by Bangkok Pride and local authorities. A colourful “pride carpet” will be rolled out for the newlyweds, accompanied by performances from celebrities and drag queens.

Celebrations will also ripple through other regions, from the coastal city of Pattaya to the mountainous city of Chiang Mai, with rainbow flags waving as symbols of love and resilience.

“This is not just a victory for the LGBTQ+ community but for all of Thailand,” said one participant in Bangkok. “It shows that love truly knows no boundaries.”

Pioneering equality in Asia

Thailand’s achievement places it alongside Taiwan and Nepal as the only Asian jurisdictions recognising same-sex marriage. However, rights experts caution that Thailand may remain an outlier in the region, where progress on LGBTQ+ rights has been slow.

Globally, more than 30 jurisdictions recognise same-sex marriage, primarily in Europe, the Americas, and Australasia, according to the Pew Research Center.

Looking ahead: Advocacy for trans rights

While Thursday’s celebrations mark a significant milestone, advocates emphasise that the fight for equality is far from over. Activists are now pushing for the Thai government to allow transgender individuals to legally change their gender identity, a long-overdue recognition for the country’s estimated 314,000 trans people.
“There’s a misconception that trans people are fully embraced in Thailand, but there’s still a lot of work to be done,” said Hua Boonyapisomparn of the Foundation of Transgender Alliance for Human Rights.