Thailand celebrates first same-sex marriages

At least 100 couples headed to a lavish Bangkok shopping mall to make their wedding vows. The colourful gathering took place on the first day that same sex marriage was permitted in Thailand.

Despite Thailand's well-known acceptance of same-sex relationships, the LGBTQ+ community's fought for decades to achieve marriage equality. Amongst the first to say 'I do' was actor Sappanyoo "Arm" Panatkool, who reflects on this moment.

"So today, today, finally comes true. And we fought for it for decades. And, today is a remarkable day that, love is love. We can, we allowed to have love as a normal people."

Much of the delay in making the necessary legislative changes was due to political instability in Thailand. However, pro-democracy protests by young people in 2020 included calls for equal marriage in their demands. Politicians have been keen to secure the youth vote, and legislators backed the change 400 votes to 10.

As 1448 is the clause of the Thai Civil code which covers the definition of marriage, activists had hoped to match this number with 1448 marriages registered on the first day. References within this clause have been adjusted to avoid gender-specific language. The law protects same sex couples' rights to get engaged and marry, allowing joint ownership of wealth and possessions, inheritance after a partner's death and adopt children.

One person who's thrilled by the move is government teacher Chayapa Rattanakewil. The revised law means that her marriage will entitle Chayapa's partner to share the perks from her civil service employment contract.

"I think now is the moment [for same-sex marriage]. Because civil servants have some benefits and we should have been allowed to use them [for our partner]. I want the best for my partner, so I'd like to share my benefits with her. It's the best kind of equality."

Thanks to the legal update, Thailand's become the third Asian country and the first Southeast Asian country to authorise gay marriage.

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