BANGKOK: On Thursday, January 23, 2025, Thailand marked a major  milestone as hundreds of LGBTQ+ couples officially registered their marriages, thanks to a new law granting them equal rights as heterosexual couples.

The Marriage Equality Act, which came into effect that day, has positioned Thailand as the first nation in Southeast Asia and the third in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, following Taiwan and Nepal.

To celebrate this first-ever law, approximately 300 couples were expected to formalize their unions during a grand celebration held in an exhibition hall at a shopping mall in central Bangkok. In addition, hundreds more were anticipated to register their marriages at local district offices across the country.

Among those celebrating were well-known actors Apiwat “Porsch” Apiwatsayree and Sappanyoo “Arm” Panatkool, who exchanged vows at the Phra Nakorn district office in Bangkok. The couple later posed for photos on the office terrace, smiling warmly and holding a bouquet of flowers.

Advocates hoped at least 1,448 same-sex marriages would take place on the historic day as a symbolic nod to Article 1448 of the Civil and Commercial Code. The law had been amended to replace gendered terms like “man and woman” and “husband and wife” with inclusive language such as “individuals” and “marriage partners,” granting LGBTQ+ couples full legal, financial, and medical rights.

Thailand's progressive step mirrors Taiwan’s 2019 legalization of same-sex marriage, where over 500 couples registered on the first day. Under the new law, same-sex partners in Thailand now enjoy equal rights in areas such as joint property ownership, taxation, inheritance, and survivor benefits.

While Thailand is known for its inclusivity and hosts the vibrant Bangkok Pride parade, LGBTQ+ rights activists have faced decades of challenges in pushing for marriage equality in a society that remains largely conservative. Despite this, members of the LGBTQ+ community say societal attitudes have gradually improved.

For many couples, this new law offers both relief and joy. Patherine Khunnares, a 37-year-old web designer, expressed her happiness alongside her partner, Vivian Chullamon, 36. “We have a supportive network of friends and family who love and accept us as we are. Marriage isn’t everything for us emotionally, but having legal recognition ensures that our future is more secure,” she said.

She added, “We aren’t asking for special treatment ... just the basic legal rights that every couple deserves. At the end of the day, we want to live a simple, happy family life, like everyone else.”