Thailand Becomes Legalize Same-Sex Marriage, First Day 1,832 Couples registered recorded

Thailand officially recognized same-sex marriage on Thursday, making it the first country in Southeast Asia to do so. The new law, which grants LGBTQ+ couples the same legal rights as heterosexual partners, saw an overwhelming response, with 1,832 couples registering their marriages nationwide on the first day.

Key Changes Under the Marriage Equality Act

• The amendment replaces gender-specific terms like “man and woman” and “husband and wife” with gender-neutral terms such as “individuals” and “marriage partners.”
• Same-sex couples now have equal rights in inheritance, tax benefits, healthcare decisions, and legal matters.
• The new law guarantees full financial and medical rights to married LGBTQ+ couples.

Celebrations and First-Day Registrations

A major celebration was held at a Bangkok shopping mall, where 185 couples officially registered their unions. Meanwhile, over 1,000 couples visited district offices across the country to legalize their marriages.

Government’s Reaction

• Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra praised the milestone, stating, “From today, love will be recognized equally under the law.”
• Former PM Srettha Thavisin took a subtle jab at recent statements by U.S. leader Donald Trump, who asserted that “there are only two genders.” Without naming him directly, Srettha remarked, “A powerful country’s leader made a declaration, but I believe Thailand’s heart is bigger.”

Thailand Joins Global Leaders in Marriage Equality

With this decision, Thailand becomes the third place in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, following Taiwan (2019) and Nepal (2023). Globally, over 30 countries now recognize marriage equality, with Thailand leading the way in the region.