Over 300 Couples To Wed In Mass As Same-Sex Marriage Becomes Legal In Thailand

Over 300 couples are set to marry in a mass wedding ceremony in Bangkok today, January 23, marking a historic moment as same-sex marriage becomes legal in Thailand.

After years of advocacy and numerous challenges, Thailand has become the first country in Southeast Asia to achieve full marriage equality.

The landmark same-sex marriage law received royal approval and was published in the Royal Gazette on September 24, 2024. The law takes effect tomorrow, January 23, 2025.

This groundbreaking legislation revises Thailand’s Civil and Commercial Code, replacing terms like “men and women” and “husband and wife” with gender-neutral terms such as “individuals” and “marriage partners.”

It grants LGBTQ couples full legal, financial, and medical rights.

On January 15, the Government House hosted a celebratory event for LGBTQ couples and activists.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, along with top officials, joined the gathering to commemorate this milestone.

Thailand now joins Taiwan and Nepal as the third Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage.

Bangkok Pride, in partnership with government agencies, has organized a grand celebration in central Bangkok.

The event will also serve as an opportunity for couples to register their marriages on the first official day of the new law. Over 300 couples have signed up to wed during the event.

“(The law) is about returning our dignity, and confirming that we also have dignity as a human being,” said Ann “Waaddao” Chumaporn, a prominent gender equality activist and the lead organizer of Bangkok Pride.

“That day is going to be meaningful to all the couples that have gone through this journey together. I’d like to thank everyone, every love, that has faithfully struggled so that today would finally happen.”

Meanwhile, Nigerian crossdresser, Bobrisky has expressed confidence that newly inaugurated United States President Donald Trump cannot put an end to same-sex marriage.