By Napat Wesshasartar and Chayut Setboonsarng

BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thailand on Thursday became the first country in Southeast Asia to hold legal same-sex weddings, with LGBT groups seeking to mark the occasion with more than 1,000 marriage registrations in one day. .

After decades of campaigning by activists, Thailand is the third Asian territory to legalize same-sex marriage after Taiwan and Nepal, with a new marriage equality law set to come into force on Thursday.

Thailand’s parliament flew rainbow flags on Thursday and shopping complexes planned big pride events to celebrate the implementation of the new law.

At a mass wedding in a luxury Bangkok retail mall, more than 200 couples lined up to make their vows, some dressed in white, others in traditional Thai outfits, western suits and ceremonial police uniforms.

“It has been 17 years, we met in school and encountered many things… we hope to see more equality in the future,” said Ploynaplus Chirasukon, 33, who was taking photos after receiving a marriage license with his wife. wife Kwanporn Kongpetch.

LGBT groups hope to reach 1,448 marriage registrations on the first day, a symbolic number that refers to the section of the Thai civil code where a key change changes the words husband and wife “wife”.

Organizers, together with relevant agencies, plan to compile figures from ceremonies across the country and submit a request to Guinness World Records to recognize Thailand as the holder of the largest number of registrations. of same-sex marriage in one day.

“One-four-four-eight symbolizes the struggle for the right to marriage for all sexes. It represents the dream and hope of building an inclusive society that accepts and celebrates love in all its forms, “said the LGBT group Bangkok Pride.

‘JUST THE FIRST STEP’

District offices across the country and Thai embassies abroad are also open for marriage registration, according to the government.

“Marriage equality has been made possible by the power of all,” said former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who was at the forefront when the landmark legislation was passed last year.

He marked the day as one “close to the hearts of many Thais.”

According to legal analysts, the new same-sex marriage law will create more momentum for greater inclusion of LGBTQ people in Thailand, which has long had a reputation for pride such as carnival events and tolerance towards the community.

However, other regulations such as establishing a legally recognized family remain a challenge for some couples.

The definition of family – the father is a man and the mother is a woman – remains in the Thai legal code.

Bangkok Pride organizer Adcharaporn Thongchalaem said the rush to register marriages on Thursday was about recognition, not records.

“This event shows that many LGBT couples want this (marriage) certificate. It is a symbol that Thailand is ready for change towards equality. Same-sex marriage is only the first step, Adcharaporn said.