New law comes into effect, Thailand's LGBT community enthusiastically registers for marriage

By law, any LGBT couple over the age of 18, with Thai or any other nationality, are eligible to register their marriage in Thailand.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra (sixth from left) takes part in a photo session with same-sex couples on the day the country's marriage equality law comes into effect, at the Government House in Bangkok on January 23 - Photo: REUTERS

On January 23, Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. LGBT rights groups here aim to mark the occasion by registering more than 1,000 same-sex couples in one day.

Thailand's new marriage equality law officially came into effect on January 23. Accordingly, after Taiwan and Nepal, Thailand is the third country in Asia, and the first in Southeast Asia, to legalize same-sex marriage.

Thailand's parliament also flew rainbow flags today, and shopping malls are planning major events to celebrate the implementation of LGBT-friendly laws.

Reuters recorded a mass wedding taking place at a shopping mall in the capital Bangkok, with more than 200 couples lining up to exchange marriage vows.

"It's been 17 years since we met at school and we've been through a lot together. We hope to see more equality in the future," said Ploynaplus Chirasukon, 33, who showed off his marriage certificate with his wife.

Under this law, any LGBT couple over the age of 18, with Thai nationality or any other nationality, is eligible to register their marriage in Thailand.

Same-sex couples who are Thai citizens also enjoy the same legal rights as other heterosexual married couples, including engagement, marriage registration, divorce, use of spouse's surname, joint management of assets, tax benefits, social security and health care, adoption and guardianship, and inheritance rights.

For foreigners, these rights depend on their immigration status in Thailand. Same-sex marriage with a Thai citizen does not entitle foreigners in this case to Thai citizenship.

According to the Thai government , district offices nationwide, as well as Thai embassies abroad, are open for couples to register their marriages.

“True marriage equality has become possible with the power of everyone,” said former Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Thailand’s marriage equality law was passed while Srettha was in office.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/luat-moi-co-hieu-luc-cong-dong-lgbt-thai-lan-no-nuc-di-dang-ky-ket-hon-20250123131902882.htm