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Hundreds of same-sex couples in Thailand are preparing to legally marry this Thursday, as the country’s marriage equality laws officially come into effect, marking a historic moment for LGBTQ+ rights in Asia.

Thailand becomes the largest Asian nation and the first in South-East Asia to legalise same-sex marriage, joining Taiwan and Nepal as the only countries in the region to do so.

The landmark marriage equality bill, which grants same-sex couples the same legal rights as heterosexual couples, was passed last year and is now officially in force.

To celebrate the occasion, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra invited dozens of LGBTQ+ couples and activists to Government House last week for a commemorative photo. Sharing the moment on Instagram, she wrote:

“January 23, 2025, will be the day that we all make history together. The love of everyone is legally recognized with honour and dignity.”

She further emphasised the significance of the moment, declaring:

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“From January 23, everyone, every couple, regardless of gender, can register their marriage at district offices throughout Thailand.”

Speaking to the Associated Press, the Prime Minister underscored Thailand’s progressive stance:

“I think it’s very important that the world notice us, and know that in this small country we have this kind of support for our people. We all should be proud.”

The bill was met with overwhelming support in Thailand’s Parliament, where lawmakers waved rainbow flags as they voted in favour of marriage equality. It later sailed through the Senate before being signed into law in September 2024.

A key feature of the reform is the gender-neutral terminology introduced in Thailand’s marriage laws. The terms “men and women” and “husband and wife” have been replaced with “individuals” and “marriage partners,” ensuring full legal recognition and protection for all couples, regardless of gender.

As same-sex couples across Thailand prepare to celebrate their long-awaited wedding day, the nation takes a bold step forward as a regional leader in LGBTQ+ rights, setting a powerful example for its neighbours.

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