Bangkok They got married in 2019, and they have been together for over 13 years. Since then, despite the fact that same-sex marriages were not legally recognized, women Danaya Phonphayung and Sunma Piamboon have regarded themselves as a married pair.
Fading pictures of their joyful marriage, full of love and happiness from their relatives and friends, adorn the walls of their suburban Bangkok house. When a law that permits members of Thailand’s LGBTQ community to marry and enjoy the same legal rights as heterosexual couples goes into force this Thursday, the country will also recognize their marital status.
The couple stated that they are eager to formally become husband and wife. On the first day permitted by law, they intend to register their marriage at a district office close to their residence.
An office worker named Danaya smiled broadly as she thought about the moment they would sign the document and remarked, “I think I’ll cry.” I’m overjoyed. The fact that this day is finally coming is something I could never have imagined.
We share a home. We purchased a home. We purchased a vehicle. However, unlike a married couple, we are unable to share these things together. “We feel that we need to secure our rights as soon as possible when this is happening,” she stated.
The Civil and Commercial Code was revised by the marriage equality law, which passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate, to refer to individuals and marriage partners instead of men and women and husband and wife. LGBTQ couples would have full access to legal, financial, and medical rights.
Since they don’t live close to her parents, Sunma, who runs a travel agency, said that when Danaya was admitted to the hospital with dengue fever, she realized how important it was to be legally married.
When I identified myself to the doctors as the girlfriend, they answered, “So what?” She claimed that until her condition worsened, I was unable to make any decisions. I was devastated because I felt that nothing could have made up for the loss of her. Therefore, I believe that this is crucial for us both.
How marriage equality became law
Despite its reputation for inclusiveness and acceptance, Thailand battled for decades to enact a law promoting marriage equality. For the most part, Thai society is conservative. LGBTQ people report experiencing prejudice on a daily basis, despite the fact that things have significantly improved in recent years.
One of the primary objectives of the Pheu Thai party-led government was marriage equality. It went to great lengths to align itself with the yearly June Bangkok Pride march, which drew thousands of revelers to one of Bangkok’s biggest business areas.
Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia and the third country in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal, to legalize same-sex marriage last week when Government House invited dozens of LGBTQ couples and activists for a photo opportunity and a meeting with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and several high-ranking officials to celebrate the law’s implementation.
Though it isn’t, it feels almost like a dream. Paetongtarn stated, “Congratulations to everyone.” It’s crucial, in my opinion, that the world take note of us and understand that we in our tiny nation have such ideas. Our folks are supported in this way. Thus, we should all feel proud.
In order to host a lavish celebration in the heart of Bangkok and assist couples who want to register their marriage on the first day, the organizers of Bangkok Pride have partnered with pertinent government organizations. According to them, over 300 couples have signed up to get married at the ceremony on Thursday.
According to gender equality campaigner and Bangkok Pride’s main organizer Ann Waaddao Chumaporn, “the law is about returning our dignity and confirming that we also have dignity as human beings.” All of the couples who have traveled this path together will find significance in that day. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who has tirelessly fought to make today a reality.
How the law will be implemented
Thailand’s state agencies and government have a traditionally traditional mindset. According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, workshops have been arranged for the employees of all Bangkok district offices responsible for marriage registration in order to get them ready for the transition. They featured talks that brought gender diversity to the public’s attention as well as advice on how to interact with service attendees.
At one of the sessions earlier this month, Bangkok Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon remarked, “It’s like a missing piece of the jigsaw.” The public is prepared. The law is preparing. However, officials’ knowledge is the final component of the puzzle.
Although he admitted that there would be initial issues, he expressed his optimism that they would progressively become better with time.
Sunma stated that she is excited to have a formal marriage celebration with her and Danaya’s families following their marriage registration.
Our families believe it is a huge event and what everyone has been waiting for, so it’s not just the two of us who are pleased. “Everyone has stated that they are anticipating January 23,” she remarked.