On Thursday, Thailand’s long-awaited equal marriage law officially came into effect, a milestone that marks a significant step for LGBTQ+ rights in the country. Among the many couples eager to celebrate this moment, police officer Pisit “Kew” Sirihirunchai and his long-time partner Chanatip “Jane” Sirihirunchai hope to be the first to register their marriage.
In Bangkok, 180 same-sex couples gathered at one of the city’s prominent shopping malls, an event organized by local officials to commemorate this historic occasion.
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“We’ve been ready for this for a long time,” said Pisit. “We were just waiting for the law to support us.”
Together for seven years, the couple has already taken steps to solidify their bond, including adopting a shared surname, Sirihirunchai, with the blessing of a Buddhist monk. They also signed a formal declaration of intent to marry. However, having their union legally recognized was their ultimate goal.
The new law grants LGBTQ+ couples equal rights, including the ability to marry, manage joint assets, inherit property, and adopt children. They can also make medical decisions for their partners and share financial benefits, such as pensions.
Pisit expressed excitement about building a future with Chanatip, envisioning plans to construct a home and start a small business together. “This law allows us to care for each other in ways that were previously impossible,” he said.
A Long Journey for Equality
The road to marriage equality in Thailand has been a challenging one. Despite the country’s reputation for LGBTQ+ tolerance, achieving legal recognition required decades of activism.
One couple, Rungtiwa Thangkanopast, 59, and her partner Phanlavee, 45, exemplify this struggle. Together for 18 years, they once attempted to register their marriage at Bangkok’s “Love Town” district office on Valentine’s Day in 2013. Their request was denied, and they faced public ridicule, but their effort was a crucial step in challenging societal norms.
Rungtiwa, a widow with a daughter conceived through IVF, met Phanlavee while running one of Bangkok’s first lesbian pubs. Their story reflects the resilience of many LGBTQ+ couples in Thailand.
Activists initially pushed for a civil partnership bill, which offered limited recognition for same-sex couples but fell short of equal rights. Progress was further stalled by a 2014 military coup. It took another decade, bolstered by the rise of progressive political movements, for marriage equality to finally gain approval.
In 2023, the legislation passed with overwhelming support, signaling a cultural shift in attitudes. Same-sex relationships had become normalized in Thai media and society, contributing to the law’s acceptance.
Overcoming Challenges
While the new law is a significant victory, gaps remain. Gender-specific language in other parts of Thai law, restrictions on surrogacy for same-sex couples, and the inability to change gender markers on official documents still pose challenges. Activists emphasize the need for continued advocacy to address these issues.
For couples like Pisit and Chanatip, the law is transformative, allowing them to fully embrace their love without fear of stigma. Similarly, for older couples like Chakkrit “Ink” Vadhanavira and his partner Prinn, who have been together for 24 years, the law brings long-overdue legal clarity.
Previously, same-sex couples could not co-own large assets or ensure inheritance rights. Chakkrit and Prinn even resorted to legal adoption to share a surname and assets. Now, the law recognizes their union as equal to heterosexual marriages, affirming their decades-long commitment.
“Our relationship is no different from any other couple’s,” said Chakkrit, reflecting on their journey.
As Thailand becomes an outlier in Asia for marriage equality, the country sets a powerful example of inclusivity and progress. For many LGBTQ+ couples, this historic milestone is not just about legal rights but also about being embraced as equal members of society.
