Lively Couples Register Marriages on First Day of Marriage Equality Law

Bangkok: Today, the Marriage Equality Act officially came into effect, prompting many couples to visit Siam Paragon to register their marriages. Over 300 couples took this opportunity to formalize their unions.

According to Thai News Agency, officers from the Pathumwan District Office were present at Paragon Hall from 8:00 a.m., setting up tables to facilitate off-site marriage registration for the 300-plus couples who registered. Couples began arriving early, with some waiting since before 7:00 a.m. Many wore matching outfits, some in pink, others in wedding dresses, to mark the occasion.

The event, known as Marriage Equality Day, is the inaugural day for LGBTQ+ marriage registration, organized by relevant government and private agencies. Couples prepared necessary documents, including national ID cards, and submitted them to the registrar along with two witnesses. Privacy zones were established for the couples, with media access restricted to filming outside the event area.

Many couples at the event had attempted to register at the district office annually, and expressed happiness at finally being able to legally register their marriages. They emphasized the importance of having equal legal rights as other couples.

The Marriage Equality Day event is being held grandly, starting at 11:00 AM. Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra is scheduled to extend congratulations to the couples via video conference. The opening ceremony features a wedding procession with government representatives and celebrities as witnesses. An exhibition showcases the cooperation of parties that contributed to achieving this day of equality. The celebration on the rainbow red carpet Pride Carpet symbolizes pride and acceptance.

The registration service at Paragon, managed by the Pathumwan District Office, remains open until 6:00 p.m. as a special case. Activities continue until 10:00 p.m.