Twelve years ago, in bustling Bangkok, a poignant moment unfolded at a marriage registrar’s office. Amidst the lively commotion of Valentine’s Day, Rungtiwa Thangkanopast and her partner, Phanlavee Chongtangsattam, joined others for a mass wedding ceremony. Rungtiwa wore a radiant white gown, and Phanlavee a sleek black tuxedo—both ready to profess their love. But there was a problem. When they presented their identity cards, officials turned them away. Both cards identified them as female, and, as the law stood, same-sex marriages were prohibited in Thailand. Shattered but undeterred, the couple left, their love unbroken but still unrecognized.
Fast forward to January 23, 2025, a day Rungtiwa, now 59, and Phanlavee, 44, described as nothing short of historic. Thailand’s new law permitting same-sex marriage had finally come into effect, offering them the long-awaited chance to walk into a room as partners but leave as a married couple—a dream deferred for two decades. Joined by hundreds of other couples in a colorful mass wedding ceremony, the two finally got to proudly claim their rights. “For 20 years, we’ve loved each other and had to hide from society’s disapproval,” Rungtiwa shared. “But now we can stand proudly.”
The scene that Thursday morning at Paragon Hall in Bangkok was a jubilant one. Held in one of the city’s largest shopping malls, Siam Paragon, the event was orchestrated by the advocacy group Naruemit Pride (roughly translated to “Creating Pride”). Couples passed through pink flower-draped arches, a perfect backdrop for celebratory photos. Officials, accompanied by dozens of journalists, facilitated one marriage registration after another inside a large charcoal-gray hall, with each couple presenting their documents to be formally recognized as legally married.
The atmosphere, according to onlookers, was electric with joy and relief. Among the newlyweds was Ploynaplus Chirasukon, 33, who wed her partner, Kwanporn Kongpetch, 32. “We feel secure, safe, and happy,” she said, reveling in the moment and the hard-fought victories that had brought this day to fruition. Other ceremonies followed nationwide, with predictions that more than 1,000 same-sex couples would tie the knot on the first day alone. Thailand, once again, was making history. It became the first country in Southeast Asia—and only the third in Asia after Taiwan and Nepal—to legalize same-sex marriages.
But this cultural milestone didn’t arrive overnight. Thailand might be internationally regarded as one of the more accepting societies for LGBTQ+ communities, but that surface image belied a deeper complexity. Many parts of this majority-Buddhist, traditional society remain deeply conservative, especially among the older generations. Although gradually becoming more tolerant of social changes, broader acceptance took time—and relentless advocacy—to reach this point.
As early as 2013, when Rungtiwa and Phanlavee were turned away, public discourse on same-sex marriage in Thailand was almost nonexistent. “No one had the courage at that time to come out and demand their rights,” Phanlavee reflected. For them, their appearance at that ill-fated mass wedding was meant to be a symbolic statement—wearing wedding costumes to assert their identity and love. Though they knew their attempt to register would fail, it was the only way they could start the conversation.
What followed was a decade-long movement for equality. As activists pushed for reforms, public attitudes slowly began to shift. In 2022, the government sent ripples across the region by becoming the first Southeast Asian country to legalize recreational marijuana use—a move emblematic of the country’s increasing openness to progressive policies. That same year, the Thai Parliament passed the landmark marriage legislation, which finally went into effect in 2025 after receiving royal assent. Perhaps no one captured the celebratory mood better than Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who joined in last week’s festivities by presiding over a photoshoot with dozens of elated couples. On Instagram, she declared, “Jan. 23, 2025, will be the day we all record history together, that the rainbow flag has been planted gracefully in Thailand. Everyone’s love is legally recognized with honor and dignity.”
The move to legalize same-sex marriage is also intertwined with broader implications. Tourism—a cornerstone of Thailand’s economy—stands to gain significantly as the country aims to position itself as a prime LGBTQ+ travel destination. From vibrant pride parades to same-sex honeymoon promotions, Thailand is poised to brand itself as a haven for inclusivity in the region.
For couples like Rungtiwa and Phanlavee, however, the motivations behind marriage extend far beyond symbolism. It’s about attaining full legal rights—rights that have life-altering implications. For example, as they matured as a couple, Rungtiwa and Phanlavee had to navigate complex legal loopholes to protect their family. Years ago, a health scare drove home the painful realization that, as life partners, they couldn’t authorize medical care for one another. This spurred their legal battle for equality, tethered as it was to deeply personal stakes.
Their family dynamics reflect the resilience and creativity that so many same-sex couples have had to summon in the absence of legal recognition. Rungtiwa’s daughter, Chomchanok Thangkanopast—now 24—was born before Rungtiwa met Phanlavee. Together, the couple raised her as their daughter, but Phanlavee couldn’t legally be recognized as her mother. They sought unconventional solutions: Rungtiwa’s mother formally adopted Phanlavee, which technically made her Rungtiwa’s sister and Chomchanok’s aunt. Later, when Chomchanok turned 20, the laws allowed Phanlavee to adopt her properly. “I am still the aunt, but I am also the mom,” Phanlavee joked, sharing some of the convoluted legal steps that shaped their lives.
Now, with the passing of this legislation, their family can leave the patchwork legal maneuvers behind. The new law simplifies life for couples like them. “Even though society may not fully accept us,” said Rungtiwa, “at least the law now does.”
Another couple eager to make history was Amnad Sanghong, 42, and his partner of 14 years, Aphinun Manasang, 37. They had traveled from Prachinburi Province to Bangkok to join the first-day celebrations. To them, the law’s passing was monumental for its far-reaching practical benefits, such as the ability to make critical healthcare decisions for their partners, inheritance rights, and access to adoption. Their families, once resigned to enduring inequality, were overjoyed about their ability to now fully celebrate their love.
Thailand’s leap into legal equality signals a powerful message to the region and the world. It showcases not only progress in marriage equality but also a beacon of hope for those fighting similar battles elsewhere. For Rungtiwa, Phanlavee, and the thousands of other couples who shared the moment, the day isn’t just a victory for their love—it’s a testament to how determination and advocacy can change the very fabric of society. “Love is love,” the message rings loud and clear—legally, proudly, and undeniably.
