AP PHOTOS: Same-sex couples in Thailand share their joy over new marriage equality law

BANGKOK — It's a big day for LGBTQ+ couples in Thailand.

On Thursday, they gained the legal right to register their marriages, making it the first country in Southeast Asia and the third place in Asia to recognize same-sex unions, after Taiwan and Nepal. In central Bangkok, a popular shopping mall held a daylong gala to help accommodate the hundreds of same-sex couples who wanted to register their marriages on the very first day.

Thailand has a reputation for acceptance and inclusivity but struggled for decades to pass a marriage equality law. Thai society has broadly conservative values, and members of the LGBTQ+ community say they face discrimination in everyday life, while also saying they've seen great improvement in recent years.

The marriage equality bill was officially written into law on Sept. 24, after it was endorsed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

The government led by the Pheu Thai party made marriage equality one of its main goals after coming to power in 2023. It had a major presence at the annual Bangkok Pride parade in June, with thousands of people celebrating in one of Bangkok's busiest commercial districts.

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

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

''This law doesn't only equate life. It is life! At long last, Thailand's society accepts the legality of all marriages in our land, regardless of sexual orientation. With that one sentence, lost or wasted lives have been rescued. Spirits restored. The whole country is better off.'' — Jakrapob Penkair

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

''The marriage equality law will bring about a multitude of positive outcomes, especially by providing greater security and legal assurances for our relationships, including better access to health care and other protections. I'm truly happy this day has finally become a reality,'' — Prorawin Battemdee

Kullayahnut Akkharasretthabudh, 38, real estate owner, and Juthatip Suttiwong, 24, chef

''The enforcement of the marriage equality law is proof that regardless of our gender, we all share the same basic human rights in every aspect under Thai law. It also paves the way for other countries in Asia, highlighting the importance of recognizing each other's human values and enabling everyone to live.'' — Kullayahnut Akkharasretthabudh

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

''This law will grant both of us the right to take care of each other, legally sign consent for the 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're quite fortunate. We have a supportive social circle, friends, and family who accept us for who we are and accept the person we love. Marriage, it seems, isn't everything that fulfills us emotionally. ''However, ultimately, we believe that as two human beings, we should be granted the same basic legal rights as heterosexual couples. We are a complete family in spirit, but legal recognition would alleviate our future anxieties. In the end, we aren't 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 became law, I personally felt that I could only use the word ‘partner.' But from now on, it's ‘family.' — Jutarat Chuenpae

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

''The marriage equality law allows everyone's lives to complete each other without any further discrimination.'' — Panuwat Srisawat

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