Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalise marriage equality and to celebrate the first day of the law being granted, hundreds of LGBTQ+ couples in country lined up to make their wedded status legal on Thursday.
The enactment of the Marriage Equality Act makes Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia and the third in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage, after Taiwan and Nepal.
Marriage registration is customarily done at district offices, but on Thursday, around 300 couples are expected to complete the formalities at a daylong gala celebration in an exhibition hall at a shopping mall in central Bangkok.
Couples interviewed earlier this month by The Associated Press expressed happiness with the new law, even those already settled in contented long-term relationships.
“The enforcement of the marriage equality law is proof that regardless of our gender, we all share the same basic human rights in every aspect under Thai law,” said Kullayahnut Akkharasretthabudh, 38, a real-estate owner whose partner is Juthatip Suttiwong, 24, a chef.
“It also paves the way for other countries in Asia, highlighting the importance of recognising each other’s human values and enabling everyone to live.”
Patherine Khunnares, 37, a web designer, said she and researcher Vivian Chullamon, 36, “have a supportive social circle, friends, and family who accept us for who we are and accept the person we love. Marriage, it seems, isn’t everything that fulfils us emotionally..
“However, ultimately, we believe that as two human beings, we should be granted the same basic legal rights as heterosexual couples. We are a complete family in spirit, but legal recognition would alleviate our future anxieties. In the end, we aren’t asking for anything special — we just want a simple, happy family life.” AP
