Thailand marked a historic moment on Thursday as its same-sex marriage law officially came into effect, with hundreds of couples tying the knot. Among the first to wed were prominent Thai actors Apiwat “Porsch” Apiwatsayree, 49, and Sappanyoo “Arm” Panatkool, 38, who exchanged vows in matching beige suits at a Bangkok registry office, receiving their pink-bordered marriage certificate.
The milestone positions Thailand as the largest nation in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, following Taiwan and Nepal. The new law replaces gendered terms such as “husband” and “wife” with gender-neutral language, granting equal rights to transgender individuals and providing adoption and inheritance rights to all married couples.
Lesbian couple Sumalee Sudsaynet, 64, and Thanaphon Chokhongsung, 59, were the first to marry at Bangrak District. Speaking through tears of joy, Thanaphon shared, “We’ve been waiting for this day for 10 years.”
The day saw a mass LGBTQ wedding organized by Bangkok Pride, with dozens of couples donning traditional and modern attire as they completed their marriage paperwork in a celebratory atmosphere.
Thailand’s same-sex marriage bill, passed last June, was ratified by King Maha Vajiralongkorn in September and represents the culmination of years of activism and advocacy. Former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, in office when the law passed, celebrated the milestone on social media, stating, “From now on, there will no longer be ‘man’ and ‘woman,’ but ‘individual’ and ‘individual’ who are equal spouses.”
Despite its reputation for LGBTQ tolerance, activists note ongoing challenges such as societal discrimination and legal barriers in the predominantly Buddhist country. LGBTQ activist Siritata Ninlapruek called the law’s passage a bittersweet victory, emphasizing the need for further recognition of gender identity beyond biological sex.
Thailand joins over 30 nations worldwide that have legalized same-sex marriage, with activists and citizens alike hailing this moment as a step toward equality and dignity for all.
