In a historic move for LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand, the Marriage Equality Act officially came into effect on Thursday, marking a significant milestone for hundreds of same-sex couples across the country. The new law grants LGBTQ+ couples the same legal rights as heterosexual couples, positioning Thailand as a trailblazer in Southeast Asia and the third country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, following Taiwan and Nepal.
Traditionally, marriage registration takes place at district offices; however, on this momentous day, approximately 300 couples are expected to formalize their unions in a daylong gala celebration set in an exhibition hall at a central Bangkok shopping mall. Beyond this grand event, numerous other couples are anticipated to register their marriages in various locations nationwide.
The Marriage Equality Act, which smoothly passed through both houses of parliament, brought about amendments to the Civil and Commercial Code, replacing gender-specific terms such as “men and women” and “husband and wife” with more inclusive language like “individuals” and “marriage partners.” This pivotal change is designed to afford LGBTQ+ couples equal access to legal, financial, and medical rights.
Under the new legislation, partners will be entitled to equal rights and responsibilities concerning joint assets, tax liabilities and deductions, inheritance rights, and survivor benefits. The enactment of the marriage equality law represents a significant step forward in ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals are treated with fairness and equality under the law.
Although Thailand has often been viewed as a welcoming and inclusive society, the journey towards marriage equality has not been without its challenges. LGBTQ+ rights advocates have long campaigned for the recognition of same-sex partnerships in a society that has often been perceived as conservative. While progress has been made in recent years, many members of the LGBTQ+ community still face discrimination in their daily lives.
Speaking about the significance of the new law, Kullayahnut Akkharasretthabudh, a 38-year-old real estate owner whose partner is Juthatip Suttiwong, a 24-year-old chef, expressed their joy, highlighting the importance of recognizing everyone’s basic human rights under Thai law. Another couple, Patherine Khunnares, a 37-year-old web designer, and Vivian Chullamon, a 36-year-old researcher, emphasized the need for legal recognition to alleviate future uncertainties and ensure equal rights for all couples.
Acknowledging the importance of education and awareness, Bangkok’s city government conducted workshops to train staff in its district offices on marriage registration procedures. These sessions aimed to raise awareness about gender diversity and provide guidance on fostering inclusive communication with individuals seeking marriage services. The Interior Ministry also offered similar training to further support the implementation of the new law.
As the final puzzle piece falls into place, Bangkok Deputy Gov. Sanon Wangsrangboon expressed optimism about society’s readiness to embrace marriage equality. With officials now equipped with the necessary understanding and guidance, Thailand is taking a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive and equitable society for all its
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