BANGKOK — After over 13 years of being in a committed relationship, Danaya Phonphayung and Sunma Piamboon, who celebrated their wedding in 2019, are preparing to finally see their marriage recognized legally. Despite the absence of legal recognition for same-sex marriages until now, they have always considered themselves a married couple. Their home, located in suburban Bangkok, is adorned with cherished photos capturing joyful moments shared with family and friends. This Thursday marks a significant milestone, as a new law enabling members of the LGBTQ+ community in Thailand to marry and enjoy the same legal rights as heterosexual couples takes effect.
The couple is eager to formalize their relationship, with plans to register their marriage at the local district office on the very first day the law permits. Danaya, who works in an office, expressed her excitement at the prospect of signing the official documents. “I think I’ll cry,” she said, beaming. “I’m so happy. It’s something that was more than I could’ve dreamed of, that suddenly this day is happening.” She elaborated on their shared life, highlighting that while they have a home and car together, the lack of legal recognition prevented them from fully enjoying those aspects of life as a married couple.
The newly passed marriage equality bill saw strong support, moving swiftly through both the House of Representatives and the Senate. It amends the Civil and Commercial Code, changing terms like “men and women” and “husband and wife” to more inclusive descriptors such as “individuals” and “marriage partners.” The reformation grants full legal, financial, and medical rights to LGBTQ+ couples, marking a significant shift in societal recognition.
Sunma, who operates a travel agency, shared the vital realization of the need for legal marriage during a personal crisis when Danaya was hospitalized due to dengue fever. Being unable to make medical decisions made her acutely aware of the ramifications of their unmarried status. “The doctors asked me who I was, and I said I was the girlfriend, and they were like, ‘so what?’ I couldn’t make any decision until her condition became quite serious,” she recounted, expressing her worries about the risks to Danaya’s health without legal standing.
Thailand, known for its ethos of acceptance, faced challenges in establishing marriage equality over the decades due to its conservative societal values. Many LGBTQ+ individuals experience discrimination in daily life, although positive changes have been noted recently. The Pheu Thai-led government has prioritized the marriage equality initiative, seeking to align itself with the vibrant Bangkok Pride event, which saw thousands celebrating in one of the city’s main commercial areas.
In a recent event at Government House, numerous LGBTQ+ couples and activists were invited to engage with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and senior officials, commemorating the new law’s enactment. This landmark legislation positions Thailand as the first country in Southeast Asia and the third in all of Asia, following Taiwan and Nepal, to legalize same-sex marriage. “It is almost like a dream, but it’s not,” said Paetongtarn, emphasizing the importance of global awareness regarding this progressive step taken by their nation.
To mark the occasion, organizers of Bangkok Pride have partnered with relevant governmental bodies to host a large celebration and assist couples who wish to register their marriages on the inaugural day following the law’s acceptance. Reports indicate that over 300 couples are set to officially tie the knot at this high-profile event. Ann “Waaddao” Chumaporn, a gender equality advocate and lead organizer of Bangkok Pride, stated, “The law is about returning our dignity, and confirming that we also have dignity as human beings.” She expressed gratitude to those who fought for justice, underscoring the emotional weight of this day for couples who have faced numerous challenges together.
To prepare for the implementation of the new law, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has conducted workshops for staff at district offices responsible for marriage registration. These sessions aim to raise awareness about gender diversity and provide guidance on how to offer respectful assistance to those seeking the service. “It’s like a missing piece of the jigsaw,” remarked Bangkok Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon during one of the workshops. He acknowledged potential initial challenges but remained optimistic about improvements over time as understanding evolves among officials.
Post-registration, Sunma looked forward to planning a well-deserved celebration of their marriage with both families participating. “It’s not just the two of us that are happy; it’s also our families, who view this as a momentous occasion. Everyone mentioned they are eagerly awaiting January 23,” she added.
