“It’s a dream come true,” said the first same-sex couple to register their marriage at the Bang Rak district office, the day after Thailand’s marriage equality law took effect yesterday.
Sumalee, 64, and Thanaporn, 59, left Phetchabun province at 3am and reached Bangkok’s Bang Rak district office at 6am, waiting for it to open at 8am.
They expressed happiness that their long-held wish to enjoy the same rights as heterosexual couples has become a reality.
They had previously held a small wedding ceremony at their home and are now overjoyed to be legally married. They also thanked everyone involved in passing the Marriage Equality Act into law and celebrated Thailand’s growing acceptance of diversity.
Regarding healthcare benefits, the couple said that they were particularly looking forward to the medical benefits, previously only available to heterosexual spouses.
Under the new law, same-sex married couples now enjoy this right.
Sumalee, who suffered a stroke in 2016, and Thanaporn, who has severe coronary heart disease, are thankful for each other’s support and are committed to staying together for life.
People’s Party MP Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, who attended the event, remarked that the day has been a major celebration. “We have been striving to prove that these rights are natural and deserved. In the past, I thought it would be impossible and could only imagine a future when gay couples could form families. Today, that future is a reality.”
The Bang Rak district office, along with other government and private entities, are hosting an event to celebrate love and same-sex marriage registrations from 8am to 4pm.
