Same-sex couples in Thailand talk about happiness before marriage equality law takes effect

BANGKOK (AP) — It’s a big week for LGBTQ+ couples in Thailand.

On Thursday, they will be able to legally register their marriage, making it the third country in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal, where they have such a right. A grand celebration is planned in central Bangkok to help hundreds of same-sex couples planning to register their marriage from day one.

Thailand has a reputation for acceptance and inclusiveness, but struggled for decades to pass marriage equality legislation. Thai society has largely conservative values, and members of the LGBTQ+ community report facing discrimination in everyday life.

The country’s landmark marriage equality bill was officially signed into law on September 24, after being approved by King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

The Pheu Thai Party-led government has made marriage equality one of its main goals after coming to power in 2023. It has had a strong presence in power. annual Bangkok Pride Parade in June, with thousands of people partying in one of Bangkok’s busiest commercial districts.

The Associated Press spoke to seven same-sex couples days before the law took effect:

Jakrapob Penkair, 57, former minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, and Supraipon Chuaychoo, 44, tourism business owner

“This law is not only equivalent to life. That’s life ! Thai society is finally accepting the legality of all marriages in our country, regardless of sexual orientation. With this one sentence, lost and wasted lives have been saved. Spirits restored. The whole country is doing better.” —Jakrapob Penkair

Prorawin Battemdee, 40, public relations manager, and Pitee Chuchomchuen, 39, designer

“The Marriage Equality Act will bring a host of positive outcomes, including providing greater security and legal safeguards for our relationships, including greater access to health care and other protections. I’m really happy that this day has finally become a reality,” — Prorawin Battemdee

Kullayahnut Akkharasretthabudh, 38, property owner, and Juthatip Suttiwong, 24, chef

“The implementation of the Marriage Equality Act is proof that regardless of our gender, we all share the same basic human rights in all aspects under Thai law. It also paves the way for other countries in Asia, emphasizing the importance of recognizing everyone’s human values ​​and enabling everyone to live. —Kullayahnut Akkharasretthabudh

Chantamas Hemapanpairo, 52, business owner, and Sirada Thongchua, 38, teacher

“This law will give us both the right to care for each other, legally sign consent for each other’s medical treatment, and provide each other with lifelong security.” When 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 social circle, friends and family who support us as we are and accept the person we love. It seems like marriage isn’t all that fulfills us emotionally. “However, ultimately we believe that as human beings we should have the same basic legal rights as heterosexual couples. We are a complete family in spirit, but legal recognition would ease our future concerns. Ultimately, we’re not asking for anything special: 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 Bill passed, I personally thought I could only use the word ‘partner’. But now it’s “family”. — Jutarat Chuenpae

Panuwat Srisawat, 35, hairdresser, and Kritsanai Promsiriruk, 62, actor

“The Marriage Equality Act allows everyone to live their lives free from further discrimination.” — Panuwat Srisawat

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