PUBLISHED : 6 Jan 2025 at 18:52
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) anticipates that approximately 300 same-sex couples will celebrate their marriages in Bangkok on January 23, coinciding with the enforcement of the groundbreaking marriage equality law.
Preparations are in full swing, as Deputy Bangkok Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon inspects district offices to ensure readiness for the upcoming registration day.
Training sessions for district officials are focused on assisting couples through the registration process.
Sanon urged couples to complete online registration forms to streamline the process, estimating around 300 couples will register on the historic date.
Currently, at least 100 couples have already pre-registered; 67 of whom plan to formalize their marriages at the Siam Paragon shopping complex, while others will do so at various district offices.
In a related event, People’s Party MPs, Thanyawat Kamolwongwat and Paramet Witthayaraksan, visited the Bang Rak district office to oversee the preparation efforts for the significant day.
The Bang Rak district, known as the “Love Hamlet,” expects a high turnout of couples.
District office chief Pornpan Watthanasin confirmed that special celebrations are planned at both the Bang Rak and Pathumwan district offices for January 23.
Thanyawat highlighted that the new law introduces significant changes, including the replacement of the terms “husband” and “wife” with “spouse” in official documentation.
Additionally, a nationwide campaign to promote same-sex marriage registration will launch on January 14.
Registration is also open for Thais marrying foreign nationals. However, if the foreign national’s country does not recognize same-sex marriage, legal rights will be limited to Thailand.
The MP expressed enthusiasm, stating that members of the People’s Party and other representatives will celebrate with registrants on this monumental day.
“This is a historic moment, showcasing the progressive advancement of equal rights and social acceptance for gender diversity,” he remarked.
The Marriage Equality Bill received approval from His Majesty the King and was published in the Royal Gazette on September 24 last year, marking Thailand as the third country in Asia to legally recognize same-sex marriage.
