Written by Nabat, Shasartar, and Chayut Sitboonsarng
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thailand on Thursday became the first country in Southeast Asia to hold legal same-sex marriage, with LGBT groups aiming to mark the occasion by registering more than 1,000 marriages in a single day.
After decades of campaigning by activists, Thailand has become the third region in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage after Taiwan and Nepal, with a new marriage equality law taking effect on Thursday.
Thailand's parliament raised rainbow flags on Thursday and shopping complexes planned large Pride events to celebrate the implementation of the new law.
At a mass wedding in a luxury shopping mall in Bangkok, more than 200 couples lined up to take their vows, some wearing white dresses, others wearing traditional Thai clothes, Western suits and ceremonial police uniforms.
“It's been 17 years. We met at school and faced many things… We hope to see more equality in the future,” said Ploinaplos Chirasokon, 33, as she took photos after obtaining a marriage license from her wife, Kwanporn Kongpech.
LGBT groups hope to reach 1,448 wedding registrations on the first day, a symbolic number that refers to a section of the Thai Civil Code where a major amendment changed the words husband and wife to “husband.”
Organizers, along with relevant agencies, plan to collect numbers from celebrations across the country and submit an application to Guinness World Records to recognize Thailand as having the world's highest number of same-sex marriage registrations in a single day.
“One Four Four Eight symbolizes the struggle 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,” the Bangkok Pride LGBT group said.
“Just the first step”
The government stated that district offices across the country and Thai embassies abroad are also open for marriage registration.
“Equal marriage is truly made possible by the power of everyone,” said former Prime Minister Srita Thavisin, who was prime minister when the landmark legislation was passed last year.
He marked the day as a day “close to the hearts of many Thais”.
According to legal analysts, the new same-sex marriage law will create more momentum for further integration of people from the LGBTQ community in Thailand, which has long been known for its carnival-like pride events and tolerance towards the community.
However, other regulations such as building a legally recognized family remain a challenge for some couples.
The definition of family – that the father is a man and the mother is a woman – remains in Thai legal code.
Bangkok Pride Parade organizer Adcharaporn Thongchalaim said Thursday's rush to register marriages was for recognition, not records.
“This event shows that many same-sex couples want this (marriage) certificate. It is a symbol that Thailand is ready to change towards equality. Same-sex marriage is just the first step,” Adcharaporn said.
