BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s landmark marriage equality law was officially signed into law on Sept. 24 after it was approved by King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
LGBTQ+ couples will be able to register marriages this week when it takes effect on Thursday, making Thailand third in Asia after Taiwan and Nepal.
Thailand has a reputation for acceptance and inclusivity, but has struggled for decades to pass a marriage equality law. Thai society generally has conservative values, and members of the LGBTQ+ community say they face discrimination in everyday life.
Trusted news and daily treats, straight to your inbox
See for yourself: The Yodel is the source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories.
The government led by the Pheu Thai Party has made marriage equality one of its main goals. It had a major presence at the annual Bangkok Pride parade in June, with thousands of people celebrating in one of Bangkok’s busiest commercial districts.
A grand celebration is planned in central Bangkok to accommodate hundreds of same-sex couples planning to register their marriage on the very first day.
The Associated Press spoke to seven same-sex couples days before the law takes effect:
Jakrapob Penkair, 57, former Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, and Supraipon Chuaychoo, 44, tourism business owner
“This law doesn’t just equalize life. It’s life! Finally, Thai society accepts the legality of all marriages in our country, regardless of sexual orientation. With that one sentence, lost or wasted lives were saved. Spirits restored. The whole country is better off.” – Jakrapob Penkair
Prorawin Battemdee, 40, PR officer, and Pitee Chuchomchuen, 39, designer
“The Marriage Equality Act will deliver a host of positive results, especially by providing greater security and legal guarantees for our relationships, including better access to health care and other protections. I am really happy that this day has finally become a reality,” — Prorawin Battemdee
Kullayahnut Akkharasretthabudh, 38, property owner, and Juthatip Suttiwong, 24, chef
“The enforcement of the Marriage Equality Law is proof that, regardless of our gender, we all share the same basic human rights in every aspect under Thai law. It also paves the way for other countries in Asia, highlighting the importance of recognizing each other’s human values and making life possible for all.” —Kullayahnut Akkharasretthabudh
Chantamas Hemapanpairo, 52, business owner, and Sirada Thongchua, 38, teacher
“This law gives us both the right to care for each other, legally sign consent for the other’s medical treatment and provide each other with lifelong security. If one of us dies, the law will ensure that our bond is recognized and protected.” — Chantamas Hemapanpairo
Patherine Khunnares, 37, web designer, and Vivian Chullamon, 36, researcher
“We are very lucky. We have a supportive social circle, friends and family who accept us for who we are and accept the person we love. Marriage doesn’t seem to be all that fulfills us emotionally. But at the end of the day, we are believe that as two people we should be given the same basic legal rights as heterosexual couples. We are a complete family in spirit, but legal recognition would alleviate our future concerns especially – we just want a simple, happy family life.” —Patherine Khunnares
Jutarat Chuenpae, 37, business owner, and Nutanong Sopon, 43, business owner
“Before the Marriage Equality Act came into effect, I personally felt that I could only use the word ‘partner’. But from now on, it is a ‘family’. – Jutarat Chuenpae
Panuwat Srisawat, 35, hairstylist, and Kritsanai Promsiriruk, 62, actor
“The Marriage Equality Act makes it possible for everyone to complete each other’s lives without any further discrimination.” – Panuwat Srisawat
___
Follow AP visual journalism:
AP Images Blog: http://apimagesblog.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apnews