– Never dreamed that the day would come – NRK Urix – Foreign news and documentaries

Thailand Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage: A New Era of equality

A tidal wave of joy swept through Thailand on January 23rd, 2025, as the country officially joined the ranks of nations recognizing LGBTQ+ equality by legalizing same-sex marriage. This historic milestone, marking a long-fought battle for rights, has ignited celebrations and sparked a wave of hope for LGBTQ+ individuals across Asia.

The groundbreaking legislation, approved by the King in September 2024 and coming into effect 120 days later, grants full legal, financial, and medical rights to married couples irrespective of gender. This means same-sex couples can now legally tie the knot,manage property and inheritances,and even adopt children – finally aligning their rights with heterosexual couples.

“We never dreamed that day would come in Thailand,” a jubilant Apiwat Apiwatsayree, a renowned actor and influencer, shared with the Associated Press as he celebrated his victory alongside his partner, Sappanyoo Panatkool. true to their excited spirits, Apiwatsayree and Panatkool wasted no time, registering their marriage early Thursday morning in the historic heart of bangkok’s Old Town.

“The law will allow and support us in that all love is equal, and that all love is the same,” Apiwatsayree affirmed, his words echoing the sentiment shared by countless others throughout the nation.

The celebratory mood reached fever pitch at Siam paragon shopping center,transformed into a vibrant oasis of rainbows,hearts,and flowers. The banquet hall pulsed with excitement as couples exchanged vows in a mass ceremony, symbolizing a collective step towards a more inclusive and accepting society.

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Couples celebrated their commitment to each other at a marriage registration event held at the bustling Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok on January 23, 2025. Among the throngs of joyful couples was the well-known lesbian pair Rungtiwa Tangkanopast and Phanlavee, whose fight for the right to marry culminated in this momentous occasion. In 2013, they faced rejection when their marriage was denied, but today, they finally stood hand-in-hand, embracing the historic shift in Thailand’s legal landscape.

Photo: Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP

Thailand’s Mass Wedding Ritual: A Celebration of Love and Community

Thailand, known for its vibrant culture and deep-rooted traditions, holds numerous captivating customs, among them being the annual mass wedding ceremony.

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These joyous gatherings bring together hundreds of couples eager to tie the knot, marking a celebration of love, commitment, and the strength of communal bonds.Participants, adorned in conventional attire, gather in massive halls, the atmosphere buzzing with excitement and anticipation. ” In one hall,the many newlyweds sit with their marriage certificates,” captures a poignant snapshot of this remarkable ritual. (Photo: Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP).

Beyond the romance, these mass weddings reflect an enduring sense of community. Families and friends converge to witness and support these unions, amplifying the celebratory atmosphere with shared joy and camaraderie. Religious blessings and rituals further enrich the event, highlighting the importance of kinship and spiritual connection within Thai society.

Mass weddings remain exceptionally popular in Thailand, reflecting deeply ingrained traditions that continue to evolve. This beautiful practice stands testament to the enduring power of love, community spirit, and the rich tapestry woven by cultural heritage.

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Love Wins: First Same-Sex Marriage Celebrates Landmark Legalization in Thailand

Thailand has a new precedent set in LGBTQ+ rights as Chanatip and Pisit Sirihirunchai exchanged vows in a ceremony celebrating their marriage, marking a landmark moment.

This momentous occasion unfolds only months after the groundbreaking August 2023 ruling in Thailand’s courts. said Chanatip Sirihirunchai, eyes sparkling, after exchanging vows, “This makes our relationship perfect. As now the law supports us and other couples.” The historic verdict marks a major win for the LGBTQ+ community and paves the way for future generations of same-sex couples to wed.

Chanatip Sirihirunchai and Pisit Sirihirunchai take in the momentous occasion.

Photo: CHANAKARN LAOSARAKHAM / AFP

This journey towards legal recognition hasn’t been without hurdles. For many years, countless couples yearned for the reassurance and stability marriage provides, holding onto the dream of officially acknowledging their commitment.

This historic occasion serves as a beacon of progress, radiating hope and empowerment.

Thailand Celebrates Historic Moment: Landmark Same-Sex Marriage Legalization

Thailand is basking in the glow of a historic victory as same-sex marriage officially becomes legal. anticipation is building for a wave of weddings, with nearly 1,500 couples eager to exchange vows on Thursday. This triumph marks the culmination of a long and arduous journey for LGBTQ+ rights advocates who tirelessly fought for equal recognition and rights.

while Thailand has long been recognized for its relative tolerance toward LGBTQ+ individuals, the path to legalizing same-sex marriage wasn’t without its hurdles. The landmark legislation sailed through the National Assembly this summer, receiving a resounding 130 votes in favor and a mere four votes against. This overwhelming support demonstrates the broad societal embrace of this progressive change.

“Today, the rainbow flag flies over Thailand,” shared Prime Minister Paetongtarn shinawatra, capturing the essence of this momentous occasion on social media.

The importance of this victory extends far beyond Thailand’s borders, serving as a beacon of hope for LGBTQ+ communities across asia and the globe. It propels the fight for equal rights for all, inspiring continued efforts toward a more inclusive world.

Soap bubbles dance in the air during the mass wedding ceremony at Siam Paragon shopping centre.

Photo: LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA / AFP

Beyond the legal triumph,Thailand continues to celebrate love in its many forms,annually hosting a heartwarming mass wedding ceremony at the bustling Siam Paragon shopping centre in Bangkok. Hundreds of couples from diverse backgrounds come together to participate in this unique cultural event,uniting their commitment through time-honored customs infused with contemporary romance.

“It’s a chance to connect with others and share this special moment,” remarked one couple who chose to participate in the mass wedding. “being surrounded by so much love and support makes it even more special.”

This event transcends the boundaries of a simple ceremony, becoming a powerful symbol of unity and community.

From left: Chanatip Sirihirunchai and Pisit Sirihirunchai hold up their marriage certificates.

Thailand, a country renowned for its vibrant culture and warm hospitality, has taken a monumental step towards equality. Thousands of couples, eager to celebrate their love in a legally recognized union, are preparing for an unprecedented wave of weddings. Almost 1,500 couples are scheduled to tie the knot on a single day, marking a turning point in Thai society.

This historic wave of weddings signifies a culmination of years of dedicated advocacy and perseverance by the LGBTQ+ community in Thailand. Their tireless efforts, coupled with shifting societal attitudes, have paved the way for the legalization of same-sex marriage.

“We’re complete now,” beamed Chanatip Sirihirunchai, one half of the country’s first legally recognized same-sex couple. Their joyful union, solidified by a landmark judicial ruling in august 2023, resonates across the nation, illuminating a path toward equal rights for all. “The law recognizes us, and that feels incredible,” Sirihirunchai said, their happiness palpable.

Thailand’s cultural landscape has always been one of openness, embracing diversity with warmth. Their annual mass weddings, vibrant displays of tradition, serve as powerful symbols of unity and celebration.Hundreds of couples, adorned in traditional attire, gather in communal ceremonies, sharing vows and blessings in a symphony of joy.

This integration of LGBTQ+ rights into traditional celebrations speaks volumes about thailand’s evolving identity. It shows a society grappling with progress and tradition, finding a harmonious balance between honoring time-honored customs and embracing the evolving values of inclusion.

The Land of Smiles is now a land of smiles expanded, a beacon of hope illuminating the path toward equality for all.

Thailand Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage: Celebrating Progress, While Acknowledging Unfinished Work

Thailand is resonating with celebrations today, Jan. 23, 2025, as nearly 1,500 couples prepare to tie the knot, marking the historic legalization of same-sex marriage. It’s a momentous occasion as Thailand becomes the first Southeast Asian nation, and the third in Asia (following Taiwan and Nepal), to embrace full marriage equality.

Couples are expected at district offices nationwide, but most notably, “around 300 couples are expected to complete the formalities at a daylong gala celebration” according to reports. Images of joyous commitment ceremonies will resonate across the world, symbolizing Thailand’s commitment to creating a more inclusive society. These couples aren’t simply marking a legal shift; they are embodying a societal evolution,

“They’re a living, breathing embodiment of Thailand’s vibrant social fabric and the enduring power of love, community, and cultural heritage,”,

while acknowledging that strides toward equality cannot stop here.Many challenges remain – advocating for the rights of transgender individuals, battling societal prejudices, and ensuring unwavering legal protections continue to be central.

Despite these enduring hurdles, there’s powerful optimism surrounding Thailand’s decision. Thailand’s legislative action signifies immense progress, fostering hope for others seeking marriage equality across asia and beyond. Let’s bask in this hard-won victory, recognizing today’s jubilation as an inspiration for tomorrow’s inclusivity. Thailand’s dedication to progress doesn’t culminate today – it’s a steppingstone towards a more equitable future where everyone can confidently celebrate love’s boundless spectrum.

How do mass wedding ceremonies reflect the enduring sense of community in Thai society?

Thailand’s Mass Wedding ritual: A Celebration of Love and Community

Couples celebrated their commitment to each other at a marriage registration event held at the bustling Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok on January 23, 2025.

Photo: Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP

Thailand, known for its vibrant culture and deep-rooted traditions, holds numerous captivating customs, among them being the annual mass wedding ceremony.

These joyous gatherings bring together hundreds of couples eager to tie the knot, marking a celebration of love, commitment, and the strength of communal bonds. Participants, adorned in conventional attire, gather in massive halls, the atmosphere buzzing with excitement and anticipation.

Beyond the romance, these mass weddings reflect an enduring sense of community. Families and friends converge to witness and support these unions, amplifying the celebratory atmosphere with shared joy and camaraderie. Religious blessings and rituals further enrich the event, highlighting the importance of kinship and spiritual connection within Thai society.

Mass weddings remain exceptionally popular in Thailand, reflecting deeply ingrained traditions that continue to evolve. This stunning practice stands testament to the enduring power of love, community spirit, and the rich tapestry woven by cultural heritage.

Love Wins: First Same-Sex Marriage Celebrates Landmark Legalization in Thailand

Thailand has a new precedent set in LGBTQ+ rights as Chanatip and Pisit Sirihirunchai exchanged vows in a ceremony celebrating their marriage, marking a landmark moment.

This momentous occasion unfolds only months after the groundbreaking August 2023 ruling in Thailand’s courts. “this makes our relationship perfect,” said Chanatip Sirihirunchai, eyes sparkling, after exchanging vows. “As now the law supports us and other couples.” The historic verdict marks a major win for the LGBTQ+ community and paves the way for future generations of same-sex couples to wed.

Chanatip Sirihirunchai and Pisit Sirihirunchai take in the momentous occasion.

Photo: CHANAKARN LAOSARAKHAM / AFP

This journey towards legal recognition hasn’t been without hurdles. For manny years, countless couples yearned for the reassurance and stability marriage provides, holding onto the dream of officially acknowledging their commitment.

This historic occasion serves as a beacon of progress, radiating hope and empowerment.

Thailand Celebrates Historic Moment: Landmark Same-Sex Marriage Legalization

Thailand is basking in the glow of a historic victory as same-sex marriage officially becomes legal. Anticipation is building for a wave of weddings, with nearly 1,500 couples eager to exchange vows on Thursday. This triumph marks the culmination of a long and arduous journey for LGBTQ+ rights advocates who tirelessly fought for equal recognition and rights.

While Thailand has long been recognized for its relative tolerance toward LGBTQ+ individuals,the path to legalizing same-sex marriage wasn’t without its hurdles. The landmark legislation sailed through the national Assembly this summer, receiving a resounding 130 votes in favor and a mere four votes against. This overwhelming support demonstrates the broad societal embrace of this progressive change.

“Today, the rainbow flag flies over Thailand,” shared Prime Minister Paetongtarn shinawatra, capturing the essence of this momentous occasion on social media.

The importance of this victory extends far beyond Thailand’s borders, serving as a beacon of hope for LGBTQ+ communities across Asia and the globe. It propels the fight for equal rights for all, inspiring continued efforts toward a more inclusive world.

Soap bubbles dance in the air during the mass wedding ceremony at Siam Paragon shopping centre.

Photo: LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA / AFP

Beyond the legal triumph, Thailand continues to celebrate love in its many forms, annually hosting a heartwarming mass wedding ceremony at the bustling Siam Paragon shopping centre in Bangkok. Hundreds of couples from diverse backgrounds come together to participate in this unique cultural event, uniting their commitment through time-honored customs infused with contemporary romance.

“It’s a chance to connect with others and share this special moment,” remarked one couple who chose to participate in the mass wedding. “Being surrounded by so much love and support makes it even more special.”

This event transcends the boundaries of a simple ceremony, becoming a powerful symbol of unity and community.