In a historic moment for LGBTQ+ rights, Thailand will celebrate the legalization of same-sex marriage with a mass wedding ceremony in central Bangkok on Thursday, January 23.
Over 300 couples are expected to marry, marking a groundbreaking achievement for the country and for Southeast Asia as a whole.
After decades of advocacy and numerous setbacks, Thailand is now the first nation in Southeast Asia to recognize full marriage equality.
The law, which officially came into effect today, was formally endorsed by the king of Thailand and published in the Royal Gazette on September 24, 2024.
This law amends the Civil and Commercial Code, replacing the terms “husband and wife” and “men and women” with “individuals” and “marriage partners.” As a result, same-sex couples now have access to the same legal, financial, and medical rights as heterosexual couples.
This major shift in Thai law is a culmination of years of tireless campaigning by LGBTQ+ activists.

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Just a week ago, on January 15, LGBTQ+ couples and activists gathered at Government House for a celebration, where they met with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and high-ranking officials.
The law’s passing makes Thailand the third country in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal, to legalize same-sex marriage.
For many, the mass wedding event will be deeply personal. Ann “Waaddao” Chumaporn, a gender equality activist and one of the lead organizers of Bangkok Pride, expressed the significance of the day, calling the law a “return of dignity” for LGBTQ+ individuals.
“It’s about confirming that we also have dignity as human beings,” she said.
“That day is going to be meaningful to all the couples that have gone through this journey together.”
With the full support of Bangkok Pride and government agencies, Thursday’s wedding ceremony is not only a moment of legal recognition but also a powerful celebration of love and equality in Thailand.