**Historic Day for LGBTQ+ Rights: Same-Sex Marriage Legalized in Thailand**

Couples are finally able to register their marriages in Thailand, thanks to a newly enacted equal marriage law that allows them legal recognition and rights akin to those enjoyed by heterosexual couples.

On Thursday, Thailand witnessed a historic turning point as the much-anticipated equal marriage law came into effect, allowing same-sex couples to formalize their unions. Among the first to register were police officer Pisit "Kew" Sirihirunchai and his long-time partner, Chanatip "Jane" Sirihirunchai. They celebrated their love at a vibrant event held in one of Bangkok's premier shopping malls, where city officials organized festivities to commemorate this groundbreaking law.

As the sun rose over the nation, hundreds of couples received marriage certificates, their faces beaming with excitement and relief. Many couples were treated to a carnival-like atmosphere, complete with celebratory photo booths and free cupcakes. One district even offered air tickets to the first couple who registered their marriage, making the day all the more special.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her joy over the historical day via a social media post from Davos, stating, "The rainbow flag is flying high over Thailand!" Activists involved in the movement set a goal to surpass 1,448 registrations by day’s end, referencing a specific clause in the Thai Civil Code regarding marriage.

For Pisit and Chanatip, having their partnership recognized by law has been a long-time dream. Pisit shared, "We've been ready for such a long time. We have just been waiting for the law to catch up and support us." Until now, their partnership had been relegated to a brotherly relationship on official documents. A marriage license changes everything, granting LGBTQ+ couples the same legal rights as heterosexual couples, including rights related to assets, inheritance, and medical decisions.

Among the couples marrying on this historic day was Ploynaplus Chirasukon and Kwanporn Kongpetch, who waited 17 years for this moment. As lovebirds shared their vows, the atmosphere pulsed with excitement and a sense of achievement.

While celebrating this newfound equality, many acknowledged that it comes amidst a backdrop of complex struggles for LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand. The equal marriage law represents a significant victory after a tumultuous 18-year struggle for recognition. Legalizing same-sex unions was a complex process, witnessing setbacks including a military coup in 2014 which interrupted progress on marriage equality.

As the law stands, it replaces gender-specific terminology in marriage with gender-neutral terms, allowing couples to embrace their identities fully. However, there remain numerous legal aspects that still require updates, such as parental definitions and gender identification on official documents.

For couples like Rungtiwa Thangkanopast and Phanlavee, who plan to celebrate their 18-year love by marrying in May, this development is nothing short of revolutionary. They hope that public perceptions shift toward viewing LGBTQ+ families in a more positive light.

As the celebrations continue, couples like Chakkrit "Ink" Vadhanavira and his partner Prinn, who have been together for over two decades, rejoice in the legal recognition that equality provides. The couple has long sought to be treated like any other married pair, and the new law delivers clarity and rights they have long desired.

The fight for equality in Thailand has reached a joyous milestone, but many activists emphasize that work remains to ensure all facets of LGBTQ+ rights are fully realized. For now, couples can celebrate love that is recognized and celebrated, as Thailand stands out in Asia for recognizing marriage equality.