Thailand is the first country in Southeast Asia to recognise marriage equality, and hundreds of same-sex couples got married almost immediately as the bill was passed on Thursday.
For the LGBTQ+ community in Thailand, that has battled for more than ten years for the same marriage rights as heterosexual couples, this historic bill represents a significant victory in their country.
Same-sex couples can register their marriages with full legal, financial, and medical rights, as well as adoption and inheritance rights, thanks to legislation approved by Thailand's parliament and approved by the king last year.
"This marriage equality law marks the beginning of Thai society's greater awareness of gender diversity, and our embrace of everyone regardless of sexual orientation, race, or religion", Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said in a recorded message.
The ceremony was co-organized by Bangkok Pride and municipal officials, and at least 200 couples registered to get married at the Siam Paragon shopping mall.
To greet the newlyweds from various ages and backgrounds, a rainbow carpet was spread out at the mall.
Many excited, and many carrying the rainbow flag.
