Couples marry as Thailand implements same-sex marriage law: Video
Thailand made history on Thursday as it became the first country in Southeast Asia to implement a same-sex marriage law, allowing couples to marry and receive marriage certificates.
Among the first to marry were prominent actors Sappanyoo "Arm" Panatkool and Apiwat "Porsch" Apiwatsayree, who received their pink-bordered marriage certificates at a registry office in Bangkok.
"We fought for it for decades, and today is a remarkable day where love is love," said Sappanyoo "Arm" Panatkool, reflecting on the long journey towards equal marriage rights. His partner, Apiwat "Porsch" Apiwatsayree, added, "I think it takes time to make people accept differences. But at least, the law now supports us." Apiwat also encouraged others to take advantage of the new law, saying, "If you are ready [to get married] today, then do it today. If you are not ready, you have your whole life ahead of you as Thailand is now okay for your love."
The landmark legislation, passed in a historic parliamentary vote last June, positions Thailand as the third Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage, following Taiwan and the Philippines. The law officially took effect 120 days after it was ratified by King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Teacher Chayapa Rattanakewil, 37, expressed her excitement about the new law, noting that civil servants can now extend benefits to their same-sex partners. "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," she said.
For many activists in Thailand, this achievement represents the culmination of years of advocacy. Same-sex marriage rights had been a major topic of debate and pushback, particularly amid Thailand’s political instability with frequent coups and mass street protests.
