CHIANG MAI, Jan 23 (TNA) – The atmosphere was joyous across northern Thailand as couples celebrated the first day of the marriage equality law coming into effect.
In Chiang Mai, seven same-sex couples marked the occasion with lively traditional Thai wedding processions.
A vibrant “Khan Maak” procession, complete with traditional music from pipes and drums, led by family members and LGBTQ+ support groups, escorted the couples to the Mueang Chiang Mai District Office. The air was filled with happiness and smiles as the couples, holding hands, arrived to register their marriages. The venue was decorated with bright rainbow flags. For these couples, this marked the beginning of a legally and socially recognized life together.
Pom and Un, a male couple who have been together for over 10 years, explained their eagerness to register on the very first day. Due to Un’s kidney condition, they wanted to formalize their relationship legally to begin the process of kidney donation. They expressed their hope to stay together and care for each other for as long as possible.
They emphasized the importance of legal marriage for the organ donation process. Having dealt with Un’s kidney disease for three years, they felt it was crucial to take this step. They described the day as a dream come true.
Eua and Wan, a female couple, were the first to register in Chiang Mai. They expressed their joy that all Thai citizens, regardless of gender, can now legally marry, fostering greater openness and ensuring access to fundamental rights.
Human rights activist for LGBTQ+ rights, Sirisak Chaithet, also shared his excitement. He noted that the long struggle for equal rights had finally resulted in a change, with the law now recognizing “individuals” over 18 years of age as eligible for marriage, ensuring access for all Thai citizens.
In Lamphun province, three LGBTQ+ couples and their witnesses gathered at the Queen Chama Thevi Monument before traveling in a procession of tricycle taxis through the city, passing Hariphunchai Temple, to the Lamphun District Office. Lamphun District Chief Yutthaphong Chaisorn and representatives from the Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office welcomed and congratulated the couples. The District Chief stated his delight that the law now offers equal marriage rights to all couples, regardless of gender or age, and welcomed all couples to register in Lamphun.
At the Lamphun District Office, the first couple to register was a female couple from Chiang Mai, aged 64 and 59, who arrived as early as 8:00 am. The three couples participating in the tricycle procession had mostly been together for over 10 years and expressed their relief and happiness after a long wait. They emphasized the importance of legal recognition for medical decision-making rights and other legal protections.
Wuthisittikorn Jantree, Director of the Volunteer for Community Development and Rights Protection (VCAP), shared that he has been with his partner for 15 years, having celebrated a commitment ceremony two years prior. They hope to build a complete family by adopting a child but had faced legal and bureaucratic obstacles. With the legalization of same-sex marriage, he expressed his immense joy after a long wait. – 819 (TNA)
