By Napat Wesshasartar and Chayut Setboonsarng
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to hold legal same-sex weddings on Thursday, and LGBT groups plan to mark the occasion with more than 1,000 marriage registrations in one day.
After a decade of campaigning by activists, Thailand is the third territory in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage after Taiwan and Nepal, with a new marriage equality law coming into force on Thursday
Thailand’s parliament flew rainbow flags on Thursday and shopping malls planned major pride events to celebrate the implementation of the new law.
At a mass wedding in a luxury shopping mall in Bangkok, more than 200 couples lined up to say their vows, some in white robes, others in traditional Thai costumes, Western suits and formal police uniforms.
“It’s been 17 years, we met at school and encountered many things… we hope to see more equality in the future,” said Ploynaplus Chirasukon, 33, posing for photos after receiving her marriage license with husband Kwanporn Kongpetch.
LGBT groups are hoping to reach 1,448 marriage registrations on the first day, a symbolic number referring to a section of Thailand’s civil code where a key amendment changed the words husband and wife to “spouse”.
Organizers, along with related agencies, plan to collect figures from ceremonies across the country and apply to the Guinness Book of Records to recognize Thailand as the holder of the largest number of registered same-sex marriages in the world in one day.
“One-four-four-eight symbolizes the fight for marriage rights for all genders. It represents the dream and hope of building an inclusive society that accepts and celebrates love in all its forms,” said LGBT group Bangkok Pride.
‘JUST THE FIRST STEP’
District offices across the country and Thai embassies abroad were also open for marriage registration, according to the government.
“Equal marriage really became possible with everyone’s strength,” said former prime minister Srettha Thavisin, who was prime minister when the landmark legislation was passed last year.
He marked the day as “close to the hearts of many Thais”.
According to legal analysts, the new same-sex marriage law will create further momentum for greater LGBTQ inclusion in Thailand, which has long been known for its carnival-like pride events and community tolerance.
However, some other regulations such as building a legally recognized family remain a challenge for some couples.
The definition of family – the father is a man and the mother is a woman – remains in Thai law.
Bangkok Pride Parade organizer Adcharaporn Thongchalaem said the rush to register marriages on Thursday was about recognition, not records.
“This event shows that many LGBT couples want this (marriage) certificate. It is a symbol that Thailand is ready for changes towards equality. Same-sex marriage is only the first step,” Adcharaporn said.
