A law legalizing same-gender marriage went into effect on January 23 in Thailand, making it the first Southeast Asian country to recognize gay marriage. To celebrate, the queer rights organization Naruemit Pride held mass weddings in the capitol city of Bangkok. Hundreds of queer couples showed up to have their marriage licenses signed. They walked a rainbow carpet at the Siam Paragon shopping center. The celebrations also featured local drag artists, celebrities, and musicians.
Politicians also attended the mass weddings. Former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who was in office when the legislation passed in 2024, attended the weddings. And while current Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra could not attend, she says on Instagram: “23 January is the day that we all mark in history that the rainbow flag has been planted in Thailand gracefully.”
The law allowing same-sex marriage passed in June 2024. It is the first Southeast Asian country to legalize gay marriage, and is the second in greater Asia after Taiwan in 2017. In Europe, Lichtenstein also legalized gay marriage, with the law going into effect on January 1, 2025, according the Human Rights Campaign. Nepal also provisionally recognizes same-gender marriage, although it is not legalized.
The road to legalizing gay marriage is over a decade long. In 2014, a military-led coup overthrew the democratically elected government, following prolonged political tensions. Until 2024, the government was run by conservative military leaders. However, within that decade, support for democratic governments and queer rights grew amongst young voters. This growth resulted in Thailand becoming the next bastion for queer folks in Asia.
This news is a beacon of hope as American queer rights slides backwards. The Trump Administration’s threats to transgender individuals right to healthcare and safety can make it seem like queer people have to go back into the closet. However, we must find joy where we can, and joy is plentiful when you look.
