Couples say “I do” as Thailand legalizes same-sex marriage

The BBC spoke to LGBTQ couples in Thailand who got married in a mass ceremony on the same day the country legalized same-sex marriage.

More than 100 couples got married on Thursday at Siam Paragon, a luxury mall in central Bangkok, when the law took effect.

LGBTQ couples now have the same rights as other couples to manage property, inherit, adopt, and make decisions about their partner’s medical treatment.

Constituencies in Thailand are trying to outdo each other with parties and gifts such as cupcakes, goodies and free airline tickets to celebrate the legal milestone.

Thailand has long been seen as a safe haven for LGBTQ people – it remains an unknown in Asia – but activists say they are fighting for further changes because many of the laws there are still not gender neutral.