The lesbian couple Vorawan “Beaut” Ramwan and Anticha “An” Sangchai are eagerly anticipating the passage of the same-sex marriage law in Thailand. After being in a committed relationship for four years, they are looking forward to officially solidifying their union once the law is enacted.
According to Anticha, who is a university lecturer, “Once the law comes into effect, we will sign our marriage license. We’ve been waiting for this for a long time.” The marriage equality bill is expected to pass through its final reading in Thailand’s upper house of parliament, as stated by Wallop Tangkananuruk, chairman of the senate committee for the bill.
Following its passage through parliament, the bill will be submitted to the king for approval and will come into force 120 days after its publication in the Royal Gazette. This development would make Thailand the third territory in Asia, following the footsteps of Taiwan and Nepal, to legalize same-sex marriage.
Known for its rich cultural scene and tolerance, Thailand has always been a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. The country recently saw thousands of LGBTQ+ revelers and activists come together for a parade through the streets of Bangkok, with the Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin also joining the celebration by wearing a rainbow shirt in honor of Pride Month.
For Anticha and Vorawan, the legalization of marriage equality holds profound significance. They see it as an acknowledgment of their relationship and an assurance that they will receive the same legal protections as heterosexual couples. According to Anticha, “The passage of this law is a social movement, pushing the boundaries by acknowledging our existence.” Vorawan added, “It would give us a greater sense of security for our lives. It’s something that we’ve never had before.”
The imminent legalization of same-sex marriage in Thailand is a historic moment for LGBTQ+ rights, and it is evident that this step will have a lasting impact on the lives of many couples, including Anticha and Vorawan.
Leave a Reply