Thailand is set to make history as the first Southeast Asian nation to recognize marriage equality, with hundreds of same-sex couples expected to wed. The landmark legislation, passed by parliament and approved by the king, grants same-sex couples full legal rights, including adoption and inheritance. Prime Minister Pethunthan Shinawatra commended the move as a sign of the country’s acceptance of diversity.
Celebrations are planned, featuring mass weddings and events across cities including Bangkok, where 200 couples signed up for a group ceremony. Many LGBTQ+ individuals, like Nina Chetnipat Chuadkunsod, express joy as they can now legally marry and adopt children, fulfilling long-held dreams of family life. However, rights experts caution that Thailand may be the only Asian country to recognize same-sex marriage for the foreseeable future. The fight for rights continues, particularly for transgender individuals seeking legal gender recognition. Activists hope this milestone in marriage equality can propel new discussions on broader LGBT rights in Thailand.
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