• Source:JND
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Thailand Same-Sex Marriage: Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to hold legal same-sex weddings, with LGBT groups aiming to mark the occasion with more than 1,000 marriage registrations in a single day. After decades of campaigning by activists, Thailand is the third territory in Asia to legalise same-sex marriages after Taiwan and Nepal, with a new marriage equality law coming into effect on Thursday.

At a mass wedding at a luxury Bangkok retail mall, more than 200 couples lined up to make their vows, some in white dresses, others in traditional Thai outfits, western suits and ceremonial police uniforms.

"It has been 17 years, we met in school and encountered many things ... we hope to see more equality in the future," said Ploynaplus Chirasukon, 33, posing for photographs after receiving a marriage license with her wife Kwanporn Kongpetch told news agency Reuters.

LGBT groups hope to reach 1,448 wedding registrations on day one, a symbolic number that refers to the section of the Thai civil code where a key amendment changed the words husband and wife to "spouse".

Who qualify for same-sex marriage in Thailand?

Any LGBTQ couple over 18 years of age - of Thai or other nationality - are eligible to marry in Thailand. Thai nationals are afforded the same legal rights as people in a heterosexual marriage, including engagement, marriage registration, divorce, using their spouse's last name, joint management of assets, tax benefits, social security and health care, adoption and guardianship, and inheritance.

Can a foreign national opt for marriage in Thailand?

For foreign nationals, the rights depend on their immigration status in Thailand. Same-sex marriage with a Thai national will not yet enable them to secure Thai citizenship.

Can same-sex couple start a family?

Thai law still defines parents as a mother and a father, and many experts are concerned about the way officials might interpret the law, such as in determining whether the couple is qualified to adopt a child.

Some lawmakers attempted to change the definition of a parent to a more gender-neutral term during parliamentary debates on the marriage equality bill last year, but were unsuccessful. Activists have vowed to continue efforts to change the law and make it more inclusive.

The Thai health ministry is also working on legislation to change regulations concerning surrogacy, but there is no clear time frame for such an amendment.

Can people change their identity?

While LGBTQ people can now marry legally, a draft law on gender recognition that was put to parliament in February last year was not passed. That means transgender people in Thailand will not be able to change the gender of their birth. Activists have indicated they will submit a new bill.

What analysts say?

According to legal analysts, the new same-sex marriage law will create more momentum for greater inclusion of LGBTQ people in Thailand, which has long had a reputation for its carnival-like pride events and tolerance towards the community. However, other regulations like building a legally recognised a family remain a challenge for some couples. The definition of family - a father being a man and a mother a woman - remain in the Thai legal code.

Bangkok Pride organiser Adcharaporn Thongchalaem said Thursday's rush to register marriages was about recognition, not records. "This event shows that many LGBT couples want this (marriage) certificate. It’s a symbol that Thailand is ready for change towards equality. Same-sex marriage is just the first step," Adcharaporn said.

(With inputs from Agency)

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