Thailand celebrates first same-sex marriages under new law

Landmark law allows same-sex couples to marry, making Thailand the first in Southeast Asia to achieve marriage equality.

The Thai same-sex couple, Rungtiwa Thangkanopast (right), receives a kiss from her partner, Phanlavee Chongtangsattam, in Thailand. Photo by Rungroj Yongrit/EFE/EPA

By Hayu Andini and Widya Lestari

On January 23, 2025, Thailand made history as hundreds of same-sex couples exchanged vows in the country’s first-ever legal same-sex marriages. The long-awaited day marked a significant milestone in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Southeast Asia, making Thailand the first nation in the region—and only the third in Asia, following Taiwan and Nepal—to legalize same-sex marriage.

For Rungtiwa Thangkanopast and Phanlavee Chongtangsattam, the day held extra meaning. Twelve years ago, the couple attempted to marry during a Valentine’s Day mass wedding in Bangkok but were turned away because Thai law at the time prohibited marriage between two women. On this historic day, they finally tied the knot in a mass ceremony hosted at Paragon Hall in Bangkok, surrounded by supporters, officials, and media.

“I am delighted and excited because we have been waiting for this day for a very long time,” said Rungtiwa, 59, who has been with her partner for 20 years. “Now we can stand proudly, knowing that our love is legally recognized.”

The mass wedding, organized by the rights group Naruemit Pride, unfolded at Paragon Hall, a prominent event center in Bangkok’s Siam Paragon shopping mall. The hall was adorned with pink flower arches, setting a festive and romantic atmosphere. Officials carefully reviewed documents and registered couples as legally married, while journalists captured the historic moment.

Among the newlyweds were Ploynaplus Chirasukon, 33, and her partner, Kwanporn Kongpetch, 32, who were the first to marry during the event. “Today we feel secure, safe, and happy,” said Ploynaplus. “We are proud to have contributed to the equal marriage law reaching this point.”

Similar ceremonies were held across the country, with more than 1,000 same-sex couples expected to marry on the law’s first day.

Thailand’s new marriage law reflects its growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights, setting it apart from its more conservative neighbors. While the country is often seen as LGBTQ+ friendly by foreigners, this progress did not come easily. Advocacy groups spent over a decade campaigning for marriage equality, overcoming resistance in this predominantly Buddhist nation, where many older citizens hold traditional views.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who championed the law, celebrated the historic day with a colorful photo shoot featuring same-sex couples. “January 23, 2025, will be the day that we all record history together,” she shared on Instagram. “The rainbow flag has been planted gracefully in Thailand, and everyone’s love is now legally recognized with honor and dignity.”

For many couples, the new law is about more than love—it’s about securing equal rights. Before the law’s passage, same-sex couples lacked critical legal protections, including the ability to make healthcare decisions for partners, adopt children, and access inheritance rights.

Amnad Sanghong, 42, and his partner, Aphinun Manasang, 37, have been together for 14 years. The couple, who married during the Bangkok ceremony, emphasized the importance of these legal protections. “Our families are very excited because they never expected us to be able to marry,” said Aphinun. The pair plan to celebrate their marriage with family and friends in their hometown of Prachinburi Province.

For Rungtiwa and Phanlavee, the path to marriage has been fraught with legal and social challenges. Their journey began in 2013, when they were denied the right to marry. At the time, few in Thailand were openly advocating for marriage equality.

The couple’s determination was fueled by personal experiences, including a family health crisis that underscored the lack of legal protections for same-sex partners. “We realized we had no legal right to care for each other,” said Phanlavee, 44.

Their unconventional family structure reflects the creative solutions same-sex couples have employed to navigate legal barriers. Rungtiwa’s daughter, Chomchanok, was born during her previous marriage. Later, when Rungtiwa and Phanlavee began their life together, they found a way to grant Phanlavee legal ties to their daughter: Rungtiwa’s mother adopted Phanlavee, making her Rungtiwa’s legal sister and Chomchanok’s aunt.

When Chomchanok turned 20, she was formally adopted by Phanlavee, creating a legal bond that finally aligned with their family dynamic. “I am still the aunt, but I am also the mom,” said Phanlavee.

Now, with their marriage legally recognized, the couple can leave behind these legal complexities. “Even though society may not fully accept us, at least the law does,” said Rungtiwa.

The Thai same-sex couple, Rungtiwa Thangkanopast (left) and Phanlavee Chongtangsattam, in Thailand. Photo by Rungroj Yongrit/EFE/EPA

The new law also positions Thailand as a beacon of progress in Asia. Already a popular destination for LGBTQ+ tourists, the country is leveraging this milestone to promote itself as an inclusive travel hub. Tourism officials plan to launch campaigns highlighting Thailand as a welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ couples and families.

This progressive move follows other groundbreaking reforms, such as the 2022 legalization of marijuana, which saw the government distributing one million marijuana plants to households. Together, these policies signal a shift toward greater social liberalization in Thailand.

The legalization of same-sex marriage in Thailand is a triumph for equality and love, marking the culmination of years of advocacy and perseverance. For couples like Rungtiwa and Phanlavee, the law represents not just a personal victory but a step forward for LGBTQ+ rights across Southeast Asia.

As the newlyweds celebrate this historic moment, their stories inspire hope for a more inclusive future—both in Thailand and beyond.