Thousands of same-sex people are set to tie the knot on Thursday as Thailand actually becomes the first Southeast Asian nation to recognise wedding justice. The monument legislation, passed last year and then coming into impact, represents a huge triumph for the LGBTQ+ neighborhood after over a decade of continuous advocacy.
” This could be a model for the world,” said Kittinun Daramadhaj, chairman of the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand. ” There is real wedding justice in Thailand. “
Under the breakthrough legislation, same-sex couples gain complete legal, financial, and health rights, including implementation and inheritance protections. For some, this policy signals a new book of inclusion and improvement in a region long celebrated for its lively LGBTQ+ society.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra praised the progress during an event last month, where she welcomed LGBTQ+ people and protesters to the president’s practices. ” This demonstrates that Thailand is ready to accept richness and take like in all its forms,” she said.
200 people to link knot
Holidays to mark this historic event are set to emerge across the country. In Bangkok, at least 200 people may tie the knot in a large wedding at a buzzing buying store, co-organised by Bangkok Pride and local government. A bright “pride floor” will be rolled out for the brides, accompanied by appearances from celebrities and carry queens.
Celebrations may also wave through various regions, from the coastal town of Pattaya to the mountainous area of Chiang Mai, with rainbows flags waving as symbols of love and resilience.
” This is not just a win for the LGBTQ+ area but for all of Thailand,” said one member in Bangkok. ” It shows that love really knows no boundaries. “
Pioneering justice in Asia
Thailand’s success places it alongside Taiwan and Nepal as the only Asian states recognising same-sex relationship. But, right experts caution that Thailand may be an exception in the region, where development on LGBTQ+ right has been slow.
Globally, more than 30 jurisdictions recognise same-sex marriage, primarily in Europe, the Americas, and Australasia, according to the Pew Research Center.
Looking ahead: Advocacy for trans rights
While Thursday ’s celebrations mark a significant milestone, advocates emphasise that the fight for equality is far from over. Activists are now pushing for the Thai government to allow transgender individuals to legally change their gender identity, a long-overdue recognition for the country’s estimated 314,000 trans people.
” There’s a misconception that trans people are fully embraced in Thailand, but there’s still a lot of work to be done,” said Hua Boonyapisomparn of the Foundation of Transgender Alliance for Human Rights.
