In brief
Couples around Thailand are celebrating as the new law recognizes their partnerships, offering them the same rights as heterosexual couples and redefined marriage under the Thai Civil Code.
Since Thursday, same-sex couples have started marrying legally in Thailand, marking a historic milestone in the country’s LGBTQ+ rights movement. One of the first couples to take advantage of the new law, police officer Pisit "Kew" Sirihirunchai and his partner Chanatip "Jane" Sirihirunchai, joyously registered their marriage at a Bangkok shopping mall. The celebration included colorful festivities with local officials and joyous couples across the nation, many of whom have waited years for this moment.Pisit expressed heartfelt emotions, stating, "We have just been waiting for the law to catch up and support us," highlighting the significance of officially recognized same-sex marriages in Thailand. The law grants full rights regarding asset management, inheritance, adoption, and medical decisions, helping couples build futures together.After years of progress and activism, this law’s passage reflects changing attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra commendably announced the event, stating, "The rainbow flag is flying high over Thailand." Activists are optimistic about surpassing the landmark registration number of 1,448— a pivotal reference in the Thai Civil Code— by the end of the day.Moreover, the newly enacted law has removed gender-specific terms from the Thai Civil Code, replacing them with neutral terms that redefine marriage inclusively. However, activists emphasize that challenges remain, such as terms of surrogacy and gender identification on legal documents.Exit interviews with couples reveal a campaign marked with 18 years of waiting and challenges, including societal stigma and legislative hurdles. Rungtiwa Thangkanopast, who will marry her long-term partner, emphasized the need for this recognition: "With this law comes the legitimacy of our family." As celebrations continue across Thailand, many express hope for continued progress in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance within Thai society, showcasing the evolving narrative of love and family in the country.
