Hundreds of LGBTQ couples get married in Thailand as same-sex marriage law comes into force

Same-sex couples can now get married in Thailand.

The legalisation of same-sex marriage under the Equal Marriage Act came into force on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025.

According to the Bangkok Post and the BBC, the day has been marked by hundreds of same-sex couples tying the knot.

Dozens of same-sex couples were seen getting married at the shopping mall Siam Paragon, where a mass wedding event was organised by the campaign group Bangkok Pride with the city's authorities.

Thailand is now the third country in Asia to have legalised same-sex marriage after Taiwan and Nepal.

Same-sex couples granted the same inheritance and adoption rights as heterosexual couples

According to The Nation, the Equal Marriage Act amends over 60 sections of Thailand's Civil and Commercial Codes to grant same-sex couples the same rights and responsibilities as heterosexual couples.

This encompasses adoption, inheritance, healthcare consent and the joint management of property.

In addition, the Equal Marriage Act raises the age of marriage and engagement from 17 to 18 and uses gender-neutral language such as "spouse" in place of "husband" and "wife".

Foreign same-sex couples, irrespective of gender, can also register their marriage in Thailand, The Nation further reported.

However, they have to provide proof that they are not married in the form of a certificate indicating that they are single in their country's embassy.

Thai PBS World reported that same-sex couples can also register their marriages at 94 Thai embassies and consulates around the world.

Mothership has reached out to the Thai embassy in Singapore for more information on the matter.

Top photo via Bangkok Pride/Facebook