Thailand has made history as the first country in Southeast Asia to recognize marriage equality, marking a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights across the region. This landmark legislation allows same-sex couples to register their marriages, granting them full legal, financial, and medical rights. Over 200 couples eagerly signed up to wed at the Siam Paragon shopping center in Bangkok as the law took effect, signaling a new era of inclusivity and equality.
The legislation, passed by Thailand's parliament and endorsed by the king last year, enables same-sex couples to adopt children and inherit property. This development positions Thailand as the third country in Asia to recognize same-sex marriage, following Taiwan's lead in 2019 and Nepal's in 2023. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra highlighted the importance of this legal milestone, emphasizing its role in advancing human rights and fostering greater awareness of gender diversity within Thai society.
“This marriage equality law marks the beginning of Thai society’s greater awareness of gender diversity, and our embrace of everyone regardless of sexual orientation, race, or religion — our affirmation that everyone is entitled to equal rights and dignity,” – Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
However, despite this progress, challenges remain for the transgender community in Thailand, which is home to an estimated 314,000 trans individuals. Hua Boonyapisomparn from the Foundation of Transgender Alliance for Human Rights expressed hope that the next milestone would be allowing transgender people to change their gender identity legally. Local transgender individuals continue to face discrimination despite Thailand's reputation for being trans-friendly. Nina Chetniphat Chuadkhunthod shared her personal experiences of prejudice and her dreams for a more inclusive future.
“Even now, as a Thai person, they still look down on us, seeing us as a joke. They laugh and smile, nudging each other while looking at us,” – Nina Chetniphat Chuadkhunthod.
“I feel like, wow, my dream is close to coming true,” – Nina Chetniphat Chuadkhunthod.
Nina has been raising a daughter with her partner for three years but remains unable to marry due to the lack of legal recognition for trans individuals. The couple's main concern lies in situations where they might be barred from making critical decisions for each other due to their unofficial status.
Ana Boncan and Siri Wattanavikij are among the many couples who celebrated Thailand's new law by planning their marriage registration. They met through a dating app six years ago and have eagerly awaited this moment, which provides them with newfound legal protections and opportunities.
“With this opportunity to get legally married here in Thailand, it gives us the opportunity to have a marriage visa,” – Ana Boncan.
“When we go to the hospital, I can tell them that this is my wife, this is my partner, she makes decisions for me, things like that. Unlike before, they wouldn’t accept it in the hospital,” – Ana Boncan.
Kittinun Daramadhaj, a prominent lawyer and president of the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand, praised the new law as a potential model for global LGBTQ+ rights movements. He expressed optimism that other countries might follow Thailand's example in promoting equality and inclusivity.
“This could be a model for the world because we now have Thailand as a model,” – Kittinun Daramadhaj.
The passing of this legislation marks the culmination of more than a decade of activism by Thailand's LGBTQ+ community. Pisit Sirihiranchai expressed his joy at finally being able to marry his partner legally.
“It’s the happiest day of my life. We could finally and completely do what we have been wanting to do for a long time,” – Pisit Sirihiranchai.
Nina Chetniphat Chuadkhunthod echoed this sentiment, feeling proud to share her journey with those around her.
“I felt the proudest moment of my life that I could do this and let people know, let the industry and friends around me know that I could do it,” – Nina Chetniphat Chuadkhunthod.
“I can confidently say that I can do it, building a family of my own.” – Nina Chetniphat Chuadkhunthod.
