Celebration and Mass Wedding in Thailand as Same-Sex Marriage Law Comes into Effect

 The Southeast Asian country becomes the third in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, following Taiwan and Nepal.

Jan. 23, 2025, 5:30 PM GMT+6

BANGKOK — After waiting six years, Pehtai Thanomkhet and Nathnicha Klinthaworn finally became a "family."

The couple, who had long advocated for same-sex marriage rights in Thailand, tied the knot Thursday as the country’s new law recognizing same-sex marriage took effect. Their wedding was part of a mass celebration in Bangkok, marking a significant moment for the LGBTQ+ community.

Thanomkhet, 31, dressed in a tan Thai suit, entered Paragon Hall, a large event space in one of Bangkok’s major malls. He held hands with Klinthaworn, 39, who wore a traditional golden-white Thai dress as they officially exchanged vows.

“I feel like everything has opened up for us,” said Thanomkhet, a human resources manager who goes by the English name Kevin. “We can now finally say we are a family.”

The mass wedding was organized by the Thai rights group Naruemit Pride, with nearly 200 couples officially registering their marriages throughout the day. Couples took turns presenting their paperwork to officials, who legally recognized their unions. The event was decorated with vibrant arches and flowers, along with the message “Love wins,” providing a backdrop for the newlyweds to capture their joy.

For Thanomkhet and Klinthaworn, who have been fighting for marriage equality for years, the moment was deeply emotional. Klinthaworn, a live-streamer and salesperson who uses the name Maple, said, “When the district officer was signing, I felt my tears brimming inside. We’ve fought for two years, but others have fought for 20 years, and today is a victory.”

According to the Thai Interior Ministry, a total of 1,832 couples registered their marriages under the new law on Thursday, including 654 in Bangkok. Of those, 179 participated in the mass wedding.

Though Thailand has long been known for its relatively progressive stance on LGBTQ+ issues, it wasn’t until last year that lawmakers passed a marriage equality bill. The new law amends the country’s civil code, replacing gendered terms like “husband and wife” with more inclusive language, allowing LGBT couples to enjoy the same legal and financial rights as heterosexual couples.

Thailand now becomes the first country in Southeast Asia—and the third in Asia, following Taiwan and Nepal—to officially recognize same-sex marriage.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her pride in the historical moment, sharing on Instagram, “January 23 is the day we mark in history—the rainbow flag has been planted in Thailand gracefully. All the love from all people is now legally accepted, with respect and dignity.”

In anticipation of the new law, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration conducted workshops for officials to ensure appropriate handling of marriage registrations, promoting awareness and sensitivity in communication.

Robert Conner, a Thai American public relations executive based in Washington, hopes the change will inspire other countries in the region to reconsider their stance on same-sex marriage. “Even if they don’t follow Thailand’s example, they could at least decriminalize same-sex activity,” he said.

There’s also hope that Thailand’s embrace of marriage equality will boost its tourism sector, encouraging LGBT travelers to visit—and potentially choose Thailand as a wedding destination. However, Conner pointed out that while the new law is a major advancement, there’s still work to be done, particularly around family law. He noted that some same-sex couples may still face legal challenges, such as one partner lacking legal rights to their own child.

Despite these challenges, the passing of the marriage equality law represents a huge leap forward for the LGBTQ+ community in Thailand. “I’ve been counting down the days since the law passed,” said Pisit Sirihirunchai, a police officer who married his partner, Chanatip Sirihirunchai, on Thursday.

Thanomkhet, who is transgender, recalled knowing since he was 9 years old that he wanted to be a man. Although his father initially disapproved of his transition and his relationship with Klinthaworn, years of advocacy and change in Thai society have led to his father’s acceptance. “He doesn’t say he’s happy, but we can see from his actions that he is now open-minded,” Thanomkhet said.

While the law is a landmark moment, it’s also just the beginning for many couples like Anticha Sangchai and Vorawan Ramwan, a lesbian couple who had already considered themselves married since participating in a 2022 pride parade. “Today is very different,” Sangchai said. “It’s shocking that it’s finally here.”

Other couples, like Ploy Rahong and Natamon Sukjaroen, who had already married in October, also celebrated the official registration of their marriages. Rahong, 31, who married her partner of three years in Koh Samui, said, “It’s like a new beginning.”