Thailand: Hundreds of couples to tie knot as landmark same sex marriage law comes into effect

PTC News Desk: In a significant development and major relief to all the LGBTQ couples, Thailand has legalised same sex marriages and law has come into effect starting Thursday. 

Hundreds of same sex couples are all set to tie the knot today as Thailand becomes first Southeast Asian country to enact same sex marriage. Thailand is a country long celebrated for its vibrant LGBTQ culture.

Under the revolutionary groundbreaking law, same sex couples will be entitled to complete legal. financial and medical rights including adoption, inheritance.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra praised the achievement during an event last week, where she welcomed LGBTQ couples and activists to the government's offices. "This demonstrates that Thailand is ready to embrace diversity and accept love in all its forms," she said.

200 couples to get married

The country is all set to witness the festivities to mark the historic occassion. At least 200 couples will tie the knot in the country today in mass weddings at a bustling shopping mall, co-organised by Bangkok Pride and local authorities. Celebrations will sweep through coastal city of Pattaya to mountainous city of Chiang Mai.

While the country drowns in the celebration ferour to mark the significant milestone, the advocates have emphasised that fight for equality is far from over. The activists will continue their battle in efforts to push Thai government to allow transgender individuals to legally change their identity. The country is home to approximately 314,000 trans people.