Thailand Legalizes Same-Sex Marriages: Hundreds of Couples Tie the Knot Across the Country

On January 23, in Thailand, hundreds of same-sex couples married on the day the country officially became the first in Southeast Asia to legalize marriage equality. This historic day marked the culmination of years of struggle by the LGBTQ+ community for equal rights, reports NewsBox.

"This is the happiest day of my life. We can finally do what we've wanted to do for so long," shared Pisit Sirihiranchai, who married his partner Chanatip Sirihiranchai after five years together.

The new law, approved by Thailand's parliament and the king, grants same-sex couples the same full legal, financial, medical rights, along with adoption and inheritance rights, as heterosexual couples, writes CNN.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra noted that this law represents "the beginning of a deeper understanding in Thai society about gender diversity and the acceptance of all, regardless of sexual orientation, race, or religion." She emphasized that "everyone has the right to equal rights and dignity."

A mass wedding was held at Siam Paragon shopping center in Bangkok, organized by Bangkok Pride in cooperation with local authorities. More than 200 couples registered their unions, walking down a rainbow-colored carpet to traditional Thai music.

The newlyweds included couples of all ages and professions, such as police officer Siri Hiranchai, who appeared in uniform with his partner. The celebration also saw the presence of elderly lesbian couples accompanied by former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, whose Pheu Thai party supported the marriage law.