Bangkok, Thailand – In a historic move for Southeast Asia, Thailand legalized same-sex marriage on January 23, 2025, with thousands of couples tying the knot on the first day the law came into effect.

According to the Thai provincial administration, a total of 1,832 same-sex couples registered their marriages nationwide. Across the country, couples flocked to local government offices to submit their applications and receive marriage certificates, often posing for celebratory photos.

In Bangkok, at least 190 couples exchanged vows at a "Marriage Equality Day" event organized by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Bangkok Pride. The newlyweds were escorted down an aisle lined with a rainbow carpet by former Prime Minister Setha Thavisin, symbolizing the LGBTQ+ community.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her support in a video message, declaring, "From now on, all love will be recognized by law. All couples will live with honor and dignity in Thailand." She also took to social media to celebrate the occasion, writing, "Today, the rainbow flag flies proudly over Thailand."

Former Prime Minister Setha took a swipe at U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently stated that there are only two genders, saying, "Recently, a leader of a country said that there are only two genders, but we think we have a more open mind."

The "Marriage Equality Act" was overwhelmingly approved by both houses of Thailand's parliament in March and June 2024, respectively, and received royal assent in September. The new law replaces gender-specific terms like "man" and "woman" with gender-neutral language such as "two persons" and "spouses," allowing anyone over the age of 18 to marry regardless of gender. Same-sex couples will now have equal rights to inheritance, adoption, and tax benefits as heterosexual couples.

Thailand becomes the first Southeast Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage. It is the third country in Asia, following Taiwan and Nepal.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]