Jonathan Head, Thanyarat Doksone, and Panisa Aemocha reported on the historic moment in Thailand as same-sex marriage was officially legalized. When the law came into effect, police officer Pisit “Kew” Sirihirunchai and his long-term partner Chanatip “Jane” Sirihirunchai were among the first in line to register their union at a grand shopping mall in Bangkok. They were the sixth couple to do so, in an event organized by city officials to celebrate this significant milestone.
Couples across Thailand received marriage certificates, with many breaking into smiles or tears over the moment they had been dreaming of for so long. District officials hosted parties with photo booths and free cupcakes, with one district even offering air tickets to the first couple who registered their marriage there. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her support on social media, celebrating the flying of the rainbow flag over Thailand.
Pisit and Chanatip, who have been together for seven years, had previously taken steps to formalize their relationship, including changing their last name and signing a letter of intent to get married. With the new law in place, they now have the legal recognition and rights that they have been waiting for, allowing them to plan for their future together.
The law, which passed in parliament and was endorsed by the Thai king, is a significant advancement for LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand. It allows same-sex couples to enjoy the same rights as any other couple, including the ability to get engaged, manage assets, inherit, adopt children, make medical decisions, and extend financial benefits to their spouse.
The road to marriage equality in Thailand was not easy, with activists campaigning for nearly two decades to achieve this milestone. Couples like Rungtiwa and Phanlavee, who faced challenges and ridicule when they first attempted to register their marriage, now have the chance to have their love recognized without fear of public derision.
While the new law marks a major step forward, there are still areas where activists will continue to push for change, such as making more laws gender-neutral and allowing preferred gender on official documents. However, for couples like Chakkrit and Prinn, who have been together for over two decades, the new law brings legal clarity and recognition to their enduring love and commitment.