--- title: "Thailand holds its first same-sex weddings, targets record registrations" description: "BANGKOK, Jan 23 (Reuters) - Thailand on Thursday 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." type: "NewsArticle" publisher: "Daily Maverick" site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za" section: "MARRIAGE" author: "Reuters" author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/reuters/" canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-01-23-thailand-holds-its-first-same-sex-weddings-targets-record-registrations/" published: "2025-01-23T12:04:28" updated: "2025-01-23T12:04:49" lang: "en-ZA" word_count: 436 --- # Thailand holds its first same-sex weddings, targets record registrations > BANGKOK, Jan 23 (Reuters) - Thailand on Thursday 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. By Reuters · Published 23 January 2025, 14:04 SAST · Updated 23 January 2025, 14:04 SAST ## Key points - In a dazzling display of love and progress, Thailand has officially joined the ranks of marriage equality champions in Asia, with over 200 couples tying the knot in a Bangkok mall, all while the nation’s parliament waved rainbow flags and aimed for a Guinness World Record—because nothing says "we're ready for change" quite like a mass wedding in a shopping complex! - Thailand becomes the third Asian territory to legalise same-sex marriage, following Taiwan and Nepal, with the new law effective Thursday. - A mass wedding event in Bangkok saw over 200 couples celebrate their vows, marking a historic moment for LGBTQ rights in the country. - LGBT groups aim to achieve 1,448 wedding registrations on the first day, symbolising a significant amendment in the Thai civil code. - While the new law is a step forward, challenges remain in areas like family recognition, highlighting the ongoing fight for full equality. ## Content After decades of campaigning by activists, [Thailand is the third territory in Asia](https://www.reutersconnect.com/all?search=all%3AP8N39A03N&linkedFromStory=true) to legalise same-sex marriages after Taiwan and Nepal, with a [new marriage equality law](https://www.reutersconnect.com/all?search=all%3AL3N3OG0LN&linkedFromStory=true)coming into effect on Thursday Thailand's parliament flew rainbow flags on Thursday and shopping complexes planned big pride events to celebrate the implementation of the new law. 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. 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". The organisers, along with related agencies, plan to compile figures from ceremonies nationwide and submit a request to Guinness World Records to recognise Thailand as holder of the world's largest number of same-sex marriage registrations in a single day. "One-four-four-eight symbolises the fight for marriage rights for all genders. It represents the dream and hope of building an inclusive society that accepts and celebrates love in all its forms," LGBT group Bangkok Pride said. 'JUST THE FIRST STEP' District offices nationwide and Thai embassies overseas were also open for marriage registration, according to the government. "Equal marriage has truly become possible with the power of all," said former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who was premier when the landmark legislation [passed last year.](https://www.reutersconnect.com/all?search=all%3AP8N39A03N&linkedFromStory=true) He marked the day as one "close to the hearts of many Thais." 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](https://www.reutersconnect.com/all?search=all%3AL4N3OA0VC&linkedFromStory=true). 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. (Reporting by Chayut Setboonsarng, Arton Pookasook, and Napat Wesshasartar; Editing by Martin Petty)