In 2014, actor Apiwat "Porsch" Apiwatsayree was overjoyed when he proposed to his long-term partner Sappanyoo "Arm" Panatkool, but that joy was quickly tempered. At the time, same-sex marriage was still illegal in Thailand, and the couple faced a barrage of online bullying and hate speech in the conservative country.
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02-13, 2025"I must say, 11 years ago, 80% of the 'netizens' bullied us," Arm said in an interview with ABC. "They didn't understand, they had never even seen a man kneel down to propose to another man, they bullied us, but we just ignored it."
Earlier this month, the couple held a grand wedding with about a thousand guests. Today, as Thailand becomes the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, they can finally officially register their marriage. Arm expressed his gratitude to all those who pushed for this historic new law. "I want to thank our activists from the past who fought for the same-sex marriage law and this equality cause," he said. "Thank you very, very much for fighting for it."
Porsch, who fell in love with Arm 17 years ago, said he has been waiting a long time for this moment. "I think it's a right you should have as a person when you're born," he said. "To have a home, to have an education, to love, to build your family, this is just the first step for Thailand to have this right. We have more to do." The new law grants marriage partners of any gender full legal, financial, and medical rights, making Thailand the third place in Asia to allow same-sex marriage, after Taiwan and Nepal.
The United Nations praised Thailand's Equal Marriage Act as a prime example of non-discriminatory policies that other member states should emulate, stating that other countries can learn from Thailand's journey. However, some neighboring countries, including Myanmar and Malaysia, still criminalize homosexuality and impose severe penalties. Porsch expressed his hope that those still fighting for equal rights can draw inspiration from Thailand's experience. "We cannot force, we cannot make everyone understand us. But this action, I believe it will shine and light a little light in the hearts of people in those countries to keep fighting," he said. "I want to pass encouragement to people in different countries, in different societies, to keep fighting. Let's pass hope to the next generation."
As the Equal Marriage Act takes effect today, Thailand hopes to break a world record. Bangkok Pride stated that they hope the capital will see more than 500 couples and the country more than 1,448 couples officially register their marriages, breaking the record for the largest LGBTQIA+ marriage registration set by Brazil in 2014. The number 1,448 symbolizes Article 1448 of the Thai Civil and Commercial Code, which previously stated that "marriage can only take place between a man and a woman."
Among the couples tying the knot on this historic day are 31-year-old Natnicha "Nung" Somparn and her partner Sorsomrudee "Patt" Thippayatum. They also held a wedding party in December 2023, when the bill had not yet passed the Thai House of Representatives and Senate in June 2024. "I was so happy, I cried, the tears were flowing," Nung said in an interview with ABC. "It was finally announced." She quickly texted her long-term partner Patt. "It's like we can look at the future together. We can think about a future where we grow old together, we can see a clear picture."
The couple had worried that without a marriage certificate, they might not be able to consent to medical procedures in an emergency. Patt said that being able to officially register their marriage is a huge relief. "We don't have to worry anymore," she said. "If anything happens, we can now help each other. If one passes away first, we can also do future financial planning together, and the other can manage what is there." Nung also hopes that Thailand can set an example for other countries in the region. "I think our success can be a small wave of encouragement for other countries," she said. Patt agreed. "In those countries that are considering this law, they can take us as an example," she said. "If Thailand can do it, we have passed it, they can do it too."
