Author: Artorn Pookasook and Juarawee Kittisilpa
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thai lesbian couple Vorawan “Beaut” Ramwan and Anticha “An” Sangchai are waiting patiently for the passage of their country’s same-sex marriage law to cement their relationship after four years.
“As soon as the law comes into effect, we will sign the marriage certificate,” said Anticha, a university lecturer. “We’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time.”
Wallop Tangkananuruk, chairman of the Thai Senate’s bill committee, said the marriage equality bill is expected to undergo final reading in the upper house of Thailand’s parliament on Tuesday.
The bill will then be sent to the King for approval and take effect 120 days after it is published in the Royal Gazette, making Thailand the third region in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage after Taiwan and Nepal.
Known for its vibrant cultural scene and inclusivity, this Southeast Asian country has long been a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Thousands of LGBTQ+ revelers and activists took to the streets of Bangkok this month for a march that was also attended by Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who wore a rainbow shirt to celebrate Pride Month.
For Anticha and Vorawan, marriage equality is more than a ritual. They said it marked their relationship being recognized and afforded the same legal protections as opposite-sex couples.
“The passage of this law is a (social) movement to push boundaries by acknowledging our existence,” Anticha said.
The law also formalizes their ability to legally care for each other, Wolavan said.
“This will make our lives more secure,” said the 32-year-old nurse. “This is something we’ve never had before.”
