After being turned away from a mass wedding ceremony twelve years ago for being a same-sex couple, Rungtiwa Thangkanopast and Phanlavee Chongtangsattam finally had the opportunity to wed under Thailand’s new law allowing same-sex marriages. The couple joined hundreds of others for a mass wedding ceremony in Bangkok on Thursday as the law took effect.
The event was organized by Naruemit Pride, a rights group, and couples were wed one at a time by officials who formally registered them as legally married. The ceremony took place at Paragon Hall in Bangkok, and dozens of officials and journalists were present to witness the historic occasion.
Thailand is now the first country in Southeast Asia and the third place in Asia to allow same-sex marriages, following Taiwan and Nepal. The country, known for its openness to LGBTQ people, has taken a significant step towards equality after more than a decade of campaigning.
The legalization of same-sex marriage in Thailand represents a significant milestone for LGBTQ rights in the country. Couples like Rungtiwa and Phanlavee, who have faced societal disapproval for their relationship, now have the legal recognition and rights afforded to other married couples.
The law is expected to benefit many same-sex couples, including those seeking legal rights such as the ability to make health care decisions for a loved one and to receive inheritance rights. Thailand’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage reflects a growing trend towards greater tolerance and acceptance of LGBTQ individuals in the region.
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