Only 'individuals' from now: Former PM lauds as thousands of LGBTQ couples wed at mall in Thailand

Bangkok: On Thursday, people of Thailand gained the legal right to register their marriages, making it the first country in Southeast Asia and the third place in Asia to recognize same-sex unions, after Taiwan and Nepal. In central Bangkok, a popular shopping mall held a daylong gala to help accommodate the hundreds of same-sex couples who wanted to register their marriages on the very first day.

Thailand has a reputation for acceptance and inclusivity but struggled for decades to pass a marriage equality law. Thai society has broadly conservative values, and members of the LGBTQ+ community say they face discrimination in everyday life, while also saying they've seen great improvement in recent years.

The marriage equality bill was officially written into law on Sept. 24, after it was endorsed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

The government led by the Pheu Thai party made marriage equality one of its main goals after coming to power in 2023. 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.

But why a shopping mall!

Numerous couples are choosing to marry at the luxury Siam Paragon mall in Thailand.

While it may seem an unusual venue, its central location makes it easily accessible, and the spacious, air-conditioned exhibition hall is perfect for large events. Given Thailand’s hot and humid climate, many locals spend weekends and holidays at malls like Siam Paragon. In addition to the mall, hundreds of couples are also expected to visit district offices across Bangkok to officially register their marriages.

First couple to marry

Ploynaplus Chirasukon and Kwanporn Kongpetch, the first couple to marry today, shared that they've been "waiting for 17 years" for this moment.

"We’ve faced many challenges since we’ve been together from a young age," Ploy explains. "[Back then], being an LGBTQ couple was seen as something foreign, but with the media's support, [today] people understand that we’re just as human as anyone else."

"We can finally be ourselves completely, without having to hide or stay in the closet," Kwan added.

From now on, there will be only 'individuals'

Former Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ community during his tenure, celebrated the passage of marriage equality in Thailand, calling it a victory for all.

On X (formerly Twitter), he expressed his heartfelt congratulations, stating, "From now on, there will no longer be a 'man' and a 'woman', but 'individual' and 'individual' who are equal 'spouses'." Thavisin, whose Pheu Thai party helped push the bill, praised the collective effort that made equal marriage possible.

The bill, which cleared parliament with overwhelming support last year, marks a significant milestone in Thailand's commitment to equal rights. "Equal marriage has truly become possible with the power of all," he added.

This celebration of love and equality comes in stark contrast to recent statements by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who reiterated a traditional view of marriage being between a man and a woman.