On Thursday, Thailand made history as scores of same-sex and transgender couples officially tied the knot, celebrating the nation’s landmark equal marriage law coming into effect.
Among the first to wed were renowned gay actors, Apiwat “Porsch” Apiwatsayree, 49, and Sappanyoo “Arm” Panatkool, 38, who shared an emotional moment in matching beige suits as they received their pink-bordered marriage certificates at a registry office in Bangkok.
“For decades, we fought for this. Today is a remarkable day—love is love,” Arm said, tears streaming down his face.
Thailand has now become the largest country in Asia to recognize equal marriage, joining Taiwan and Nepal. The milestone was widely celebrated across the country.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her joy, writing on X, “Today, the rainbow flag is proudly flying over Thailand.”
The new law is groundbreaking, using gender-neutral terms to replace traditional references like “husband” and “wife.” It also ensures adoption and inheritance rights for all couples, regardless of gender identity.
Lesbian couple Sumalee Sudsaynet, 64, and Thanaphon Chokhongsung, 59, were among the first to wed at the Bangrak district office. Dressed in a stunning white gown, Thanaphon shared their joy with the media, showing off their engagement rings.
“We’ve been waiting for this day for 10 years. The legal recognition uplifts our dignity and grants us the same rights as heterosexual couples,” said Sumalee. “My emotions are so overwhelming; I can’t even put them into words.”
In celebration, a mass LGBTQ wedding event was held at a shopping mall in Bangkok, organized by Bangkok Pride and local authorities. Couples, dressed in both traditional and contemporary wedding attire, filled out marriage forms before receiving their certificates.
One of the newlyweds, Kevin Pehthai Thanomkhet, a 31-year-old trans man, married his partner, Maple Nathnicha Klintgaworn, 39. Overwhelmed with joy, Kevin shared, “I’m so happy—oh my God, my heart is beating so fast.” His father, Phornchai, 65, proudly added, “I have always accepted him. Whatsoever, it is OK with me.”
Thailand has long been celebrated for its tolerance and vibrant LGBTQ community, ranking highly in global indexes for LGBTQ rights. While Thursday’s milestone cements its position as a leader in equality, challenges remain.
“LGBTQ people were once seen as monstrosities,” said Ploynaplus Chirasukon, who married her partner of 17 years, Kwanporn Kongpetch. She emphasized the need for further reforms, such as legal gender recognition.
“People who don’t identify with their biological sex often feel like homeless people,” she said. “Being able to officially change our titles would allow for true equality.”
Thailand’s journey to this day has been long and fraught with political upheaval, but the overwhelming public support for equal marriage signals a brighter future for love and acceptance in the Buddhist-majority nation.
As couples exchanged vows and smiles, it was clear that love had truly triumphed.
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