Same-Sex Marriage Win Opens Up ‘Rainbow Tourism’ in Thailand

We fought for it for decades and today is a remarkable day that love is love,

said Arm

Srettha Thavisinformer prime minister

Recently a country's leader said that there were only two genders, but I think we are more open-minded than that,

Srettha said

The legalization of same-sex marriage uplifts our dignity,

Sumalee told Agence France-Presse (AFP).

We are so happy. We've been waiting for this day for 10 years,

said Thanaphon, wearing a white gown

So happy, like, oh my God ... my heart is beating,

said Kevin

I have always accepted [him]. Whatsoever, it is OK with me."

His 65-year-old father Phornchai added

I’m so happy. It’s long overdue,

Rittigiat told VOA

Paetongtarn Shinawatraprime Minister

With the power of love by all of you, today Thailand marks a historic day in making the world know that we embrace every kind of love, every gender that is a fundamental part of democracy,

Paetongtarn, now at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, said in a prerecorded video message

The law may take effect today but that doesn’t mean discrimination against LGBTQ+ community has changed overnight,

said Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, a lawmaker for the progressive People’s Party, and a key driver of the law change

And we can build our family in our own way because I believe that every kind of love, every kind of family is beautiful as it is,

his partner Apiwat said

I want to see the same-sex marriage law available in every country where LGBTQ+ couples are,

Chanatip chimed in

Don’t put a limit just because they are same sex or whatever they are. Love is a beautiful thing. We should not stop them,

Pisit said

We can love, we love equally, legally,

said Sappanyoo

I believe our heart is bigger.”

Striking a comparison between that “powerful country” and Thailand’s mid-sized population and smaller economy, he said

Today I feel particularly excited that we will have the law to protect both of us,

Chanatip Sirihirunchai told the BBC

I want Thailand to be a country that inspires our neighbors in ASEAN to open the door to freedom for all humanity,

newly married Setthapas Na Thalang, 43, told the BBC

Every love is the same, every love is the same inside,

Porsch Apiwatsayree told broadcaster Sky News

Our next official plan is to change my paperwork, because I have him listed down as my brother. Now I can officially call him my spouse,

Sirihirunchai's new spouse Pisit told the British network

In the eyes of the law biological parents are still recognized [in terms of] a man as a father and a woman as a mother,

Yangyuenpradorn said, ... meaning in

We're so happy that Thai people here — now they can express their love in public and they can be accepted worldwide,

Ruchaya Nillikan, 45, who was married at the ceremony, told CBS News' partner network BBC News