Law allowing same-sex marriage in Thailand comes into effect

A law allowing same-sex marriage came into effect in Thailand today, making it the third country or territory in Asia to do so. The Thai parliament flew rainbow flags on the same day and shopping malls planned a series of LGBT events to celebrate.

Soon after the law came into effect, hundreds of same-sex Thai couples tied the knot to mark the momentous occasion, including famous actors Apiwat "Porsch" Apiwatsayree, 49, and Sappanyoo "Arm" Panatkool, 38.

"We have been fighting for decades and today is a memorable day," Sappanyoo said.

The Thai government has also asked district offices nationwide and Thai embassies abroad to open their doors to citizens for marriage registration. "Today, the rainbow flag is flying proudly in Thailand," Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra posted on X.

Former Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who headed the government when the law was passed last year, also declared that true gender equality in marriage had become a reality thanks to the power of the people.

Thailand's new marriage law will use gender-neutral terms instead of "man," "woman," "husband" and "wife." It also paves the way for transgender couples to adopt children and inherit rights.

Lesbian couple Sumalee Sudsaynet, 64, and Thanaphon Chokhongsung, 59, the first to get married at the Bangrak district office, emotionally shared that "they have waited for this day for 10 years".

More than 30 countries and territories around the world have legalized same-sex marriage since the Netherlands became the first to enact the law in 2001. Thailand has long been known as a country open to the LGBT community and polls show that the public overwhelmingly supports allowing same-sex marriage.