Thailand on Thursday became the first country in Southeast Asia to hold legal same-sex weddings, with 2SLGBTQ+ groups aiming to mark the occasion with more than 1,000 marriage registrations in one 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 coming into effect on Thursday.
Thailand's parliament unfurled rainbow flags on Thursday and shopping malls planned huge Pride events to mark the implementation of the new law.
At a large wedding at a luxury mall in Bangkok, more than 200 couples lined up to say their vows, some in white dresses, others in traditional Thai clothes, western suits and ceremonial police uniforms.
“It's been 17 years, we met at school and we met many things … we hope to see more equality in the future,” said Ploynaplus Chirasukon, 33, posing for photos after to obtain a marriage license with his wife Kwanporn Kongpetch.
2SLGBTQ+ groups hope to reach 1,448 marriage registrations on Day 1, a symbolic number that refers to the section of the Thai civil code where a key change changed the words husband and wife to “spouse”.
The organizers, together with related organizations, plan to compile figures from ceremonies around the country and submit a request to Guinness World Records to recognize Thailand as the holder of the most the world's largest number of same-sex marriage registrations in one day.
“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 forms,” said the 2SLGBTQ+ group Bangkok Pride.
District offices across the country and Thai embassies abroad were also open for marriage registration, according to the government.
“Marriage equality has really been made possible by everyone's power,” said former prime minister Srettha Thavisin, who served as premier when the legislation was popular. passed last year.
He marked the day as one “close to the hearts of many Thais.”
According to legal analysts, the new same-sex marriage law will create more momentum for greater inclusion of 2SLGBTQ+ people in Thailand, which has long been known for carnival-like Pride events and tolerance for the community.
However, other rules such as building a legally recognized family remain a challenge for some couples.
'Ready for change'
The definition of family – a father is a man and a mother is a woman – remains in the Thai legal code.
Bangkok Pride organizer Adcharaporn Thongchalaem said Thursday's rush to register marriages was about recognition, not records.
“This event shows that many LGBT couples want this certificate (marriage). It is a sign that Thailand is ready to change towards equality. Same-sex marriage is just first step,” said Adcharaporn.
